STIGMA, HOSPITALITY & FAMILIES
03:34
what is a Stigma?
A Stigma is a degrading and debating attitude of the society that discredits a person or a group because of an attribute (such as an illness, deformity, colour, nationality, religion etc). The resulting coping behaviour of affected person results in internalised stigma. This perceived or internalised stigma by the discredited person is equally destructive whether or not actual discrimination occurs. Stigma destroys a person’s dignity; marginalised affected individuals,violate basic human rights; markedly diminishes the chances of a stigmatised person of achieving full potential; and seriously hampers pursuit of happiness and contentment.
It’s worrying to see so much young, fresh talent going to waste because of the stigma attached to vocational courses. The hospitality industry, for example, is full of entrepreneurs, creativity, talent and energy and it has a great contribution to make to society and the future of any country. Thus, there is a need to inform and enlighten the public to see this promising career, and help us to share our passion with others. I think it’s fair to say that when it comes to a career choice hospitality is often overlooked and it’s down to us, along with career advisers, parents, teachers and other influencers, to showcase its strengths to young people, and inspire them to see the potential in a hospitality career.
EXISTING STIGMA
"People
who work in the hotel are prostitute"
" A Hospitality is for drop out"
"People
who clean hotel rooms are not trained, didn't pass their WAEC"
"Unsocial
hours of work exist in hospitality jobs"
Some family do not understand what hospitality
entails, hospitality is not only working in the hotel industry. It is more than
this; parent should be more enlightened about the hospitality industry that way
it will help reduce the level of stigmas in families about hospitality
today. The four basic operations in this industry are as outlined below:
FRONT OFFICE OPERATION: This area takes care of the booking of rooms, check-in and check -out of guest and the general effort to achieve guest and customer service! This requires lots of customer service skills and meeting lots of exciting persons! However, many families restrict their children from working in the front office because they think hotels are meant for bad people or unbelievers and that at the front desk they will meet bad people! An unfortunate misconception!
HOUSEKEEPING OPERATION: We all "house-keep". A similar task is required in hotels as well to ensure that guest book in or are received into a clean, comfortable and safe environment. But again,some families believe that the housekeeping department is for drop out, and it is not advisable for young people. the idea exist that some people also use it as an avenue for prostitution. An unfortunate situation present in sub-standard hospitality establishments that with time, professionalism, standards,and more dissemination of the right information about the role of housekeeping and the importance of this career will be changed all these stigmas.
FOOD PRODUCTION OPERATION: Churning out lovely, well presented dishes to attract and satisfy the palette is an art and a joy. Here the guest food and drink needs are met. But again! Some stigma attached to the kitchen from families include the fact that kitchen jobs are too stressful, and it makes young people get old faster! How amazing the misconception that exist. In many parts of the world Kitchen Chefs are very fit and healthy people!
THE RESTAURANT OPERATION: Think of weddings, banquets, conferences,etc The restaurant 'team' handle the set-up and service of food and drinks to a huge number of people- that's a skill. But yet again, one stigma that exist in some families is that in the restaurant there are long hour of work, standing for long,etc Hospitality is not unique- many other professionals also stand for hours working- Swiss Guards, security men, doctors doing ward rounds, Nurses, etc it just all about SERVICE!
It is our hope that these and other stigmas that may exist will disappear as time passes, when the public and families within get better informed!
Ossai , Ife ( Wavecrest, HND 1) & Ms. B
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