Outsourcing

I've had some time to think about this growing situation our country is facing, and I still haven't quite made up my mind. On one hand, it sucks cause it means that many of our blue-collar, teleservers across the country are losing their jobs and companies are getting away with paying jackshit to peeps overseas, because well, they CAN. And then on the other hand, it does give opportunity to other countries who have extremely struggling economies to provide SOME sort of income to their people. AND if it wasn't for outsourcing, I wouldn't have THIS story...

So, I have a Wal-Mart card. I got it so I could buy a digital camera online. It's a great camera. Probably one of the most expensive purchases I've ever made (if you don't count my car). And I love it. So, no knocking the Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart rules.

Anyway, I got a statement in the mail telling me that the company who owns the credit card was sold to another company. And since I pay my bill through my online banking, I wanted to call to make sure they got my payment.

So, I called them up the other day and of course, I was immediately thrown into the menu.

Press 1# for a Copy of Your Statement. Press 2# if You Like Our Commercials. Press 17# if You Have a Big Boobs.

The list went on and on... finally, I was given the choice of ...

Press 549# if You Would Like To Speak To Someone About Making Sure Your Online Banking Payment Went Through.

Ah, yes. 549#

Then I heard, "Thank you for pressing 549# you will now be transferred to a customer service operator."

Operator: Thank for calling Wal-Mart Credit Services, this is James Smith, how may I help you.

Ok, now, read that again, but this time with your very best Apu (from the Simpson's) voice impression.

Yes, that was the voice I heard.

Me: Uhm, hello James Smith. *snicker* My name is Arianna. I am calling in regards to my Wal-Mart card. I got the statement in mail about... (blah blah blah) So, if you don't mind, could you please double check that my last payment was received?

Operator: Ah, yes. Let me... uh... look at computer... uh... to see if payment was received.

Me: *snicker* Thank you Mr. Smith. You have been so very helpful. (Now, I know this man's name is not James Smith... and now he knows I know it's not James Smith... but I still just HAVE to go on calling him that. I HAVE to. )

Operator: Uhm... Ms. Chaviss... yes, I see a ...uhm.. payment received on June 1.

Me: Thank you James. I was very worried, but thanks to you, Mr. Smith, I know that everything will be okay. You have a great day and God Bless You.

Hang up. Cue me laughing hysterically for about 10 minutes straight. HA! James Smith, my ass!

Nevertheless, the minute I realized I was talking to someone who was CLEARLY not American (nor was his name James Smith), I immediately took on a very very calm and polite persona. I mean, I know there are a shitload of countries out there that are not fans of the U.S. and the last thing I wanted was good ol' Mr. Smith to hang up and turn to his co-worker and bitch about what assholes Americans are. If anything, I wanted him to hang up, turn to his co-worker and gush about how sweet this American woman he just spoke to was and how all Americans can't be half bad. Yes, yes, just from talking to me, I have stamped out all the negative thoughts and perceptions that people from other countries have of Americans (well, except for Canadians, they just plain hate us!). I alone am the friggin' United Nations strongest line of defense. Go me.

No, please... stop the applause. Please. You're making me blush.