or is this horribly patronising?

[Himalayansalt]

Someone has posted a photo of one of the people who sweeps our streets in our local forum/group with this caption

"This is xzy, a big feature in our local tapestry here in xyz. He sweeps our streets and throughout the whole of this year’s crisis, has not taken any time off. He does his job come rain, shine or pandemic. In the next lockdown he will be there again diligently cleaning up the mess that others leave behind.

As well as being passionate about keeping our neighbourhood looking tidy, he’s a bit of a guru and will stop and chat happily about life, the universe and everything. I stopped and chatted to him yesterday, as I always do when I see him and he thanked me for taking the time.
If you see him, have a chat and say thank you."

I have got the absolute cringe with this, although some would say she was well-meaning and trying to #bekind. But - it's off isn't it?

The phrase “virtue signalling” was invented for just this.
“Local tapestry”? Give me strength.
It’s really patronising.

I came away with two thoughts: the writer is a dick, and why wouldn’t the street cleaner have taken leave during that time? That’s a line manager not doing their job well.

"He may only be a street sweeper but he's almost like a person like us! See! Talk to him! He can talk to normal people! How cute! #bekind #eventopeoplewhodomenialjobs #lookatme #imsuchaniceperson #doyouthinkthiswillgoviral

For those saying it's not patronising: How would you feel if someone posted it about you?

I think the person had good intentions really but I also know I wouldn’t appreciate this if I were the guy he posted about, not one bit.

As for “guru”, it’s all a bit, “don’t assume street cleaners are thick” - well love, we didn’t before, but sounds like you did

Lady of the Manor should stick to handing out rosettes at the church fête or her daughter’s pony club.

I thought there was an actual tapestry of your local area, hanging in a community centre or library or something

It is a bit cringe. But maybe it’ll remind pp to engage with street sweepers bus drivers and shop assistants. It can feel lonely doing those jobs and a brief ‘how are you, how are you doing?’ can be really
cheering.

Yes it is rather smug isn't it? you too could slum with the proletariat

I'd be mortified if I was that street sweeper!

Does he doff his cap when you walk past?

The first paragraph is fine but the second moves into “all about me” territory. The writer should have stopped at a thankyou.

Is he "passionate" about sweeping the streets? He's probably bored to tears with it.

It's cringe worthy, patronising, and far too over the top.

@CovidAnni

It is a bit cringe. But maybe it’ll remind pp to engage with street sweepers bus drivers and shop assistants. It can feel lonely doing those jobs and a brief ‘how are you, how are you doing?’ can be really cheering.

I just figure that's what normal people do same with all people that are not friends/family/colleagues i and many other people deal with in daily life. We dont need a post it to remind us

It's patronising beyond belief to both reader AND subject. It's the way it's written that does it- the amazement that the chap has OPINIONS! The "diligent" cleaning up- I don't know about the author of this post but I tend to be pretty "diligent" about stuff I'm paid to be "diligent" about and since all my local services ran through lockdown I wasn't surprised he'd worked through- the author seemed amazed though. The twee "stop for a chat and say thank you" sounds like a nursery school teacher asking a bunch of 3 year olds to thank the lollipop lady who's come in to chat to the class. The "local tapestry"- fuck off.

I hope the guy agreed to this else he might be very, very embarrassed. I'd be mortified based on the tone of the message and the almost worshipful description. I think I've heard less fervent sermons.

The first paragraph is fine and you could use the ending with "if you see him, have a chat and thank him", but
I stopped and chatted to him yesterday, as I always do when I see him and he thanked me for taking the time
is the bit that comes across as patronising and patting themselves on the back. I always chat to him and he is so thankful for my patronage...

He may be thinking whenever he sees her "oh, I always have a lovely chat with them. Nice to see them." or he may be thinking "oh no, it's that patronising idiot to thinks I have 20 minutes to listen to her waffle on about the crisp packet she once accidentally dropped in Hackney and chased for six miles to catch it..."

Cringe fest. Not in Ellesmere by any chance? If so I bet I know the person who wrote it.

I think the person has too much time on her hands and yes it is very patronising not only to the man but also to everyone one who may need to be reminded to be nice and say thankyou.
I expect she is feeling quite good about herself at the cost of the road sweeper who has problems and feelings like everyone else. Bloody idiot

Definitely a case of 'virtue signalling'.

Oh god, I have a friend just like this. Yoga teacher. American. She means well, but is just a bit thick.

Forgot to mention it's all done for the clear glorification of the author, too. Look at how wonderful and bountiful I am. Behold my smuggery and grace as I dare to treat The Staff as human.

Someone clearly needs to go back to primary school or the brownies for a gold star, a badge and a pat on the head.

It’s rather ott. Better this than something negative. Too try hard.

I voted YABU as I think she’s tried to word it nicely, but on reflection it is a bit patronising - I have had similar said about me (from public platform IRL) and wasn’t bothered, though. It would have been much better if she’d posted “Lovely chat with xyz today, he always comes up with a fresh perspective” or similar.

Virtue signalling bullshit. Talk to people if you want to. No need to broadcast it. For those of you who don't think it's patronising- how would you feel if someone posted this about you? Can you see someone posting this about a doctor or other high paid professional who had continued to work during lockdown? It's patronising fuckery.

Patronising language, but not sentiment

Is there anything MN can’t suck the joy out of?