Jackie Lang, with Asperger’s syndrome, was fired from Subway after trying to console an upset friend. On her break, she brought her friend a drink without paying for it and ended up spending 2 hours in a jail cell, got fired, and faces criminal charges. The story is here.
Aspie fired over a soft drink
5 thoughts on “Aspie fired over a soft drink”
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While the details of the story are sad, what does it have to do with her being an Aspie?
I found it interesting that an Aspie was showing compassion in such a way. One of the traits Tommy has shown that over the years was cited as uncharasteristic of Asperger’s was his extreme caring for others than himself. People with Asperger’s tend to have extreme social awkwardness and not pick up on social cues. My first read of the article made me think that perhaps Jackie Lang does not have Asperger’s but enough traits to grab hold of the label in preparation for a fight with Subway; then I rethought that perhaps bringing a drink to an upset friend is more of a mechanical rule that was taught as “the thing you do.”
Ultimately, the reason the Asperger’s was significant for me is that Tommy is feeling out trying to find a job. He plans on having a job this summer and then next year he will go to school half the day and work half the day for credit. I read article’s like this and wonder how he will fair.
First, being in the grocery industry selling (not coke fountain drink products) to every form of retail establishments I know the amount of profit in a fountain drink. Especially if they are selling them for $2 a piece.
Asperger’s or even full-blown autism does not necessary equate to being uncaring! My sister (17) is autistic, and one of the most sympathetic people I know. If she hears of someone being sick, she immediately starts praying for him; if she sees someone crying, she’ll like as not join in. She gets very upset at conflict between others and is very huggy. There is not a shred of cold, callous uncaring about her!
I wish I could say the same for Subway. I was disgusted when I read the story, and emailed them a rather pointed email telling them so. After all, a cup of soda costs them literally a few cents–the markup is huge. I’d be glad if more people would email them–there’s already been a protest, I believe.
Of course, the problem there isn’t with Subway, but rather with the asshats running that particular franchise… Asshats who will probably get some rather nasty come-uppance for making the company look bad…