When a customer at a Mexican restaurant lashed out at a server, she didn’t expect to lose her job over it. A look at how anti-immigrant rhetoric shapes behavior and how communities are pushing back.
While I welcome substantive engagement of this post and encourage public debate, identity-based slurs of any kind will not be tolerated in the comments. This is a zero tolerance policy. Users who violate this will be immediately and permanently banned.
Why is it the business of some outsider if this woman is a jerk, even a racist jerk? A lot of people seem to be taking an approach to this kind of thing that reminds me more of Carrie Nation than Martin Luther King. There have been so many instances of people's lives being ruined (worse than this) over inappropriate comments. Why be so enthusiastic to put a Scarlet "R" (for racism) on someone like this? Maybe she was just having a bad day.
This kind of "avenging angel" attitude, IMO, has something to do with why Trump is back in the White House, an outcome which I do not support any more than you probably do.
This DOES NOT MEAN that I support this comment. I just think it would have been more appropriate for her to have apologized directly to the waiter. Despite what you and others may think, this is the only person who was directly affected by this. And I know you're going to say that this intense shaming might bring such an apology about. But, respectfully, I feel that the punishment does not fit the crime here.
Well said. Although it’s far down the list of the horrible things Trump has done, I don’t think it’s discussed enough how much more unpleasant he’s made normal social life. The temperature is turned up so high that ordinary disagreements get turned into a life-changing, relationship-destroying battle between good and evil. Probably everyone knows someone whose family no longer goes to the same house on Thanksgiving as they did before Trump because of some stupid political argument.
Anyways, I had my first date with my fiancee at Cazuela’s! Best thing on the menu there is the carnitas platter, which comes with a stuffed bacon wrapped jalapeño.
Indeed Amy. As a minority it has brought on the perspective within social environments of one wondering, are they a friend or foe? Native Americans have become entrenched within this racial stereotype, and it's goes back to having brown skin. It is reassuring to have positive encounters with others, of different skin tones in exhibiting friendly gestures of kindness. I know it rejuvenates me that not everyone is unkind. Might I suggest when encountering those of marginalized communities within our daily outing, to say hello or give a smile. It does wonders.
I disagree that this is down the list. This kind of hatred and division is at the very core of how the GOP has gained so much power. Turn everyone on everyone else. Pour oil on the fires, create a society of fear and hatred of their neighbors. Make Americans forget what was always our nation's strongest attribute - our diversity. Our melting pot. The welcoming of immigrants to make us stronger. After all, 99%+ of us are either immigrants or defended from immigrants. They have always brought in a drive to do better, improve their lives, and give something back to the nation that gave them that chance. Well, mostly. There are always outliers like Musk.
We are strongest when we help each other. Work together. Which, despite the right claiming to be Christians, is the heart of what Jesus taught! He fed those who needed food, healed strangers. And would be called a flaming communist for it now.
Of course, even that word has lost its true meaning, it really means dictatorship now because of how the USSR, Cuba, and Red China stole the meaning of the term for their totalitarian regimes.
It really is a pretty terrible and important (in terms of his agenda’s success) to my mind. Sowing chaos and ill will rampantly is, it seems, part of the plan. And it’s a hard one to try and remedy because the stakes are so high. Sigh.
"Stephanie is paying (literally) for the consequences of anti-immigrant rhetoric actively encouraged from the highest offices in our country. "
While I'm sorry Stephanie lost her job, maybe it's for the best. Columbus doesn't need racists representing it when showing newcomers homes or other properties. Stephanie reflects poorly on the community, on Columbus as a whole. Not good for business. She needed to learn a lesson in order to show others that racism/bigotry is always wrong and that we need to treat each other with kindness. Learning opportunities are often painful, so let's hope her example teaches others not to follow her behavior.
Trump did cause her to be racist, he just gave her permission to say aloud the things she already thought. No non-racist person is magically turning into a hateful POS just because the guy in the White House changes. She fucked around and found out
You people are so deluded. You completely lack any self-awareness. When sane people look at you, they see an insecure and confused person desperately trying to cling to a sense of being morally superior to those around her.
He didn’t “make her a racist”, she already was one but he has emboldened that sad sector of society who think those views are ok to be outspoken about them. She showed a frankly obscene disregard for someone based on her own warped views of her own race as somehow superior. Unfortunately the current leader of your country tells people daily by his words and actions that it is ok to hold those views and therefore to publicly humiliate others by them. He isn’t making racists but he is unfortunately unearthing them from their hovels to spout their hatred to the world. I fear for the future of all decent American people who don’t have that venom in their souls.
Unfortunately, Stephanie wasn't a very good REALTOR® and really isn't paying anything financially from this. One has to be producing an income in order to be "paying (literally)" for this move. As a REALTOR® I am not in the least sorry that she is not going to be working in my industry.
I am embarrassed for you. No offense intended, but it takes an extra level of ignorance and stupidity to try to revive that thoroughly debunked attempt at a smear.
Seriously, you're a man, judging by your name, so it's expected of you to do your best to be reasonable instead of hysterical.
People like you are why so many of us have left the Democrats in disgust. It's not only a thoroughly corrupt and incompetent party, but it's also a cult for immature and developmentally stunted adults whose baseline emotion is temper tantrums.
Imagine the chaos if we didn't have this rule. Morons could tie up geniuses with demands such as "Drop everything you are doing and prove to me that you are not a shapeshifting space alien!"
Ouch, that's a very effective tactic! When you know diddley-squat about a topic, but feel an irresistible urge to comment, just hurl adolescent insults.
No sympathy for bigots. No one held a gun to her head. She wrote that awful note of her own volition and she’s crying crocodile tears. The problem with people like her is that they don’t think they’ll ever suffer consequences which is typical bullying behavior. The guy she picked on got back up, and now she’s backing down. She’s a coward.
Excellent piece, right on point. I wonder how long before stephanie doing the rounds on MAGA media outlets as another aggrieved martyr penalised for speaking her - if you’ll excuse the expression- mind.
“None of this is helped by our current administration. Trump’s bombastic rhetoric sadly deludes his supporters into believing that they belong to an historical shift in popular consciousness, one that authorizes them to act as deputized ambassadors for their leader in everyday situations.” Perfect distillation of the current moment
Trump is a desease of the mind. Beyond the physical harm he is doing to our country he has wormed his way into our minds and removed all joy, and destroyed our sense of community.
You are so right. Pre Trump it didn’t really matter to us what your political persuasion was but now, when you meet someone you have to look for hints and clues before engaging. It’s sick.
Stephanie Lovins, a real estate agent in Columbus, was dismissed after writing an offensive message on a restaurant receipt. She tried to deny it and continued to deny it even ater security footage was. Major Karen piece of white trash.
Yeah, but my friend Karen is a great human being!! Sad that is used to describe someone like Stephanie ( and I’m sure the other Stephanie members don’t like it either! )
Yeah, I cringe that my name John is referenced in US street culture as both a purchaser of sex and a toilet bowl. But I don't lose my mind over it. That ship sailed long long ago.
Austin, that is a tremendous story and outcome. Guessing Stephanie tried calling her credit card company saying her card was stolen to keep from paying the tab. I bet, if she has any brains at all, she will be moving or already has. The stink will follow her for awhile regardless. Thanks for writing this piece.
Austin, I know I am picking nits here, but she did not "lose her job." Real estate agents are not employed by anyone and do not get paid a salary. She was not practicing real estate when this happened. She did not pay the fees to the National Association of REALTORS®, Ohio REALTORS®, or Columbus REALTORS® to renew her license in 2025 (this is directly from the CEO of Columbus REALTORS). My point is that the dramatic telling of her receiving her comeuppance from her real estate company and the industry as a whole is hyperbole. I've seen the story over and again and it just is not a factual representation of what happened/is happening.
Centrury 21 has returned her license to the Ohio Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing, which is basically just them saying that she is not welcome to re-instate her license with them if she tries to do so. I do not know where things stand from the Ohio Division or RE and PL.
From my research, I was not able to find a single transaction that she was involved in in the last several years. That's just to say that the narrative of her feeling the ramifications of this behavior through "losing her job" simply isn't a thing, unfortunately. There is no FAFO in this particular part of the story. Unfortunately, if she were to re-instate with a brokerage, there are enough similarly-minded people that she would probably have a niche business - which is absolutely disgusting.
My understanding is that her husband's business is "feeling it."
I can tell you that a group of 6 people went to lunch at Cazueala's last Friday. It was very busy and the food, service, environment, and people there were absolutely wonderful.
For those who do not know me, I have been a REALTOR® in Columbus, OH for 15 years and was actually Austin Kocher's REALTOR® (and some other family members too) when selling their homes. Thank you for reading and thank you Austin for getting the word about this awful situation. I can only hope that Cazuela's continues to see an increase in business.
Karma is a real thing ! I hope Stephanie learns from her hatred and bigotry but I know these trumpers and she hasn’t. She just hates that she was caught
While I welcome substantive engagement of this post and encourage public debate, identity-based slurs of any kind will not be tolerated in the comments. This is a zero tolerance policy. Users who violate this will be immediately and permanently banned.
Good for you. My motto: "Block the creeps." They don't deserve to take part in civil conversations.
Absolutely! No one is owed our time or energy, especially not those who engage in bad faith. Blocking is self-care.
Why is it the business of some outsider if this woman is a jerk, even a racist jerk? A lot of people seem to be taking an approach to this kind of thing that reminds me more of Carrie Nation than Martin Luther King. There have been so many instances of people's lives being ruined (worse than this) over inappropriate comments. Why be so enthusiastic to put a Scarlet "R" (for racism) on someone like this? Maybe she was just having a bad day.
This kind of "avenging angel" attitude, IMO, has something to do with why Trump is back in the White House, an outcome which I do not support any more than you probably do.
This DOES NOT MEAN that I support this comment. I just think it would have been more appropriate for her to have apologized directly to the waiter. Despite what you and others may think, this is the only person who was directly affected by this. And I know you're going to say that this intense shaming might bring such an apology about. But, respectfully, I feel that the punishment does not fit the crime here.
Do you consider Karen to be a racist slur? Because Stephanie sure as heck was a Karen!
Well said. Although it’s far down the list of the horrible things Trump has done, I don’t think it’s discussed enough how much more unpleasant he’s made normal social life. The temperature is turned up so high that ordinary disagreements get turned into a life-changing, relationship-destroying battle between good and evil. Probably everyone knows someone whose family no longer goes to the same house on Thanksgiving as they did before Trump because of some stupid political argument.
Anyways, I had my first date with my fiancee at Cazuela’s! Best thing on the menu there is the carnitas platter, which comes with a stuffed bacon wrapped jalapeño.
I’m not convinced it’s that far down the list, as I think it’s a big part of how he’s enabled the rest of the things he is doing.
Indeed Amy. As a minority it has brought on the perspective within social environments of one wondering, are they a friend or foe? Native Americans have become entrenched within this racial stereotype, and it's goes back to having brown skin. It is reassuring to have positive encounters with others, of different skin tones in exhibiting friendly gestures of kindness. I know it rejuvenates me that not everyone is unkind. Might I suggest when encountering those of marginalized communities within our daily outing, to say hello or give a smile. It does wonders.
I agree, Amy.
I disagree that this is down the list. This kind of hatred and division is at the very core of how the GOP has gained so much power. Turn everyone on everyone else. Pour oil on the fires, create a society of fear and hatred of their neighbors. Make Americans forget what was always our nation's strongest attribute - our diversity. Our melting pot. The welcoming of immigrants to make us stronger. After all, 99%+ of us are either immigrants or defended from immigrants. They have always brought in a drive to do better, improve their lives, and give something back to the nation that gave them that chance. Well, mostly. There are always outliers like Musk.
We are strongest when we help each other. Work together. Which, despite the right claiming to be Christians, is the heart of what Jesus taught! He fed those who needed food, healed strangers. And would be called a flaming communist for it now.
Of course, even that word has lost its true meaning, it really means dictatorship now because of how the USSR, Cuba, and Red China stole the meaning of the term for their totalitarian regimes.
It really is a pretty terrible and important (in terms of his agenda’s success) to my mind. Sowing chaos and ill will rampantly is, it seems, part of the plan. And it’s a hard one to try and remedy because the stakes are so high. Sigh.
That carnitas platter sounds delicious.
"Stephanie is paying (literally) for the consequences of anti-immigrant rhetoric actively encouraged from the highest offices in our country. "
While I'm sorry Stephanie lost her job, maybe it's for the best. Columbus doesn't need racists representing it when showing newcomers homes or other properties. Stephanie reflects poorly on the community, on Columbus as a whole. Not good for business. She needed to learn a lesson in order to show others that racism/bigotry is always wrong and that we need to treat each other with kindness. Learning opportunities are often painful, so let's hope her example teaches others not to follow her behavior.
^^^agreed^^^
Exactly! She doesn’t need to be selling houses to or for the people of the community if this is the way she feels about them.
I think Stephanie should sue trump for causing her actions..he would sue her
Trump did cause her to be racist, he just gave her permission to say aloud the things she already thought. No non-racist person is magically turning into a hateful POS just because the guy in the White House changes. She fucked around and found out
You people are so deluded. You completely lack any self-awareness. When sane people look at you, they see an insecure and confused person desperately trying to cling to a sense of being morally superior to those around her.
It's both funny and sad simultaneously.
He didn’t “make her a racist”, she already was one but he has emboldened that sad sector of society who think those views are ok to be outspoken about them. She showed a frankly obscene disregard for someone based on her own warped views of her own race as somehow superior. Unfortunately the current leader of your country tells people daily by his words and actions that it is ok to hold those views and therefore to publicly humiliate others by them. He isn’t making racists but he is unfortunately unearthing them from their hovels to spout their hatred to the world. I fear for the future of all decent American people who don’t have that venom in their souls.
Unfortunately, Stephanie wasn't a very good REALTOR® and really isn't paying anything financially from this. One has to be producing an income in order to be "paying (literally)" for this move. As a REALTOR® I am not in the least sorry that she is not going to be working in my industry.
Spoiler alert: she won't learn anything from that episode, and it will only fuel her hatred and bigotry even more 😢
I want some of that reparations action. Add me to the list.
Putin is a Russian agent, I mean, Trump is a Russian agent. America is under attack. When will Americans realize that?
America is under attack. It's under attack by Useful Idiots who vote for the wretched candidates the demonrats run for office and congress.
Don't be a UI.
Typo fixed
https://planetfubar.substack.com/p/is-president-trump-the-greatest-criminal
Paul,
I am embarrassed for you. No offense intended, but it takes an extra level of ignorance and stupidity to try to revive that thoroughly debunked attempt at a smear.
Seriously, you're a man, judging by your name, so it's expected of you to do your best to be reasonable instead of hysterical.
People like you are why so many of us have left the Democrats in disgust. It's not only a thoroughly corrupt and incompetent party, but it's also a cult for immature and developmentally stunted adults whose baseline emotion is temper tantrums.
Get a grip, man. You're embarrassing your team.
Have a nice day.
Well this is certainly... a take. Not one that seems informed by facts or reason, but one you're entitled to all the same.
What facts, champ? WHAT FACTS?
Take your time. I'm here all week.
Man up and support your assertion if you can. In what way is Rump not using American public resources to support Purim’s objectives?
This is how it works:
He who makes the claim has to provide the proof.
Imagine the chaos if we didn't have this rule. Morons could tie up geniuses with demands such as "Drop everything you are doing and prove to me that you are not a shapeshifting space alien!"
So will you man up?
Bro, you sound so unhinged. Why should anyone have to explain themselves to a madman who’s already decided for himself what the truth looks like?
Ouch, that's a very effective tactic! When you know diddley-squat about a topic, but feel an irresistible urge to comment, just hurl adolescent insults.
"Seriously, you're a man, judging by your name, so it's expected of you to do your best to be reasonable instead of hysterical"
To me, everything I need to know about the usefulness of engaging with this clown is contained in this sentence he wrote.
https://planetfubar.substack.com/p/is-president-trump-the-greatest-criminal
Show me your proof and I will then have something to address.
No sympathy for bigots. No one held a gun to her head. She wrote that awful note of her own volition and she’s crying crocodile tears. The problem with people like her is that they don’t think they’ll ever suffer consequences which is typical bullying behavior. The guy she picked on got back up, and now she’s backing down. She’s a coward.
She’s sorry her MAGA ass got caught
Exactly! She's sorry to be facing consequences. I would be very surprised if she has genuinely learned her lessons. Most of these people never do.
Excellent piece, right on point. I wonder how long before stephanie doing the rounds on MAGA media outlets as another aggrieved martyr penalised for speaking her - if you’ll excuse the expression- mind.
“None of this is helped by our current administration. Trump’s bombastic rhetoric sadly deludes his supporters into believing that they belong to an historical shift in popular consciousness, one that authorizes them to act as deputized ambassadors for their leader in everyday situations.” Perfect distillation of the current moment
My husband and son love Cazuela's and go there all the time. They're going to be eating there even more now.
Trump is a desease of the mind. Beyond the physical harm he is doing to our country he has wormed his way into our minds and removed all joy, and destroyed our sense of community.
You are so right. Pre Trump it didn’t really matter to us what your political persuasion was but now, when you meet someone you have to look for hints and clues before engaging. It’s sick.
Stephanie Lovins, a real estate agent in Columbus, was dismissed after writing an offensive message on a restaurant receipt. She tried to deny it and continued to deny it even ater security footage was. Major Karen piece of white trash.
Yeah, but my friend Karen is a great human being!! Sad that is used to describe someone like Stephanie ( and I’m sure the other Stephanie members don’t like it either! )
Yeah, I cringe that my name John is referenced in US street culture as both a purchaser of sex and a toilet bowl. But I don't lose my mind over it. That ship sailed long long ago.
Definitely not like some. Being a little rusty can be fixed.
It’s true, there are several names that have different meanings, mine included 😉!
Yeah, but yours isn't derogatory
Austin, that is a tremendous story and outcome. Guessing Stephanie tried calling her credit card company saying her card was stolen to keep from paying the tab. I bet, if she has any brains at all, she will be moving or already has. The stink will follow her for awhile regardless. Thanks for writing this piece.
FAFO
Austin, I know I am picking nits here, but she did not "lose her job." Real estate agents are not employed by anyone and do not get paid a salary. She was not practicing real estate when this happened. She did not pay the fees to the National Association of REALTORS®, Ohio REALTORS®, or Columbus REALTORS® to renew her license in 2025 (this is directly from the CEO of Columbus REALTORS). My point is that the dramatic telling of her receiving her comeuppance from her real estate company and the industry as a whole is hyperbole. I've seen the story over and again and it just is not a factual representation of what happened/is happening.
Centrury 21 has returned her license to the Ohio Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing, which is basically just them saying that she is not welcome to re-instate her license with them if she tries to do so. I do not know where things stand from the Ohio Division or RE and PL.
From my research, I was not able to find a single transaction that she was involved in in the last several years. That's just to say that the narrative of her feeling the ramifications of this behavior through "losing her job" simply isn't a thing, unfortunately. There is no FAFO in this particular part of the story. Unfortunately, if she were to re-instate with a brokerage, there are enough similarly-minded people that she would probably have a niche business - which is absolutely disgusting.
My understanding is that her husband's business is "feeling it."
I can tell you that a group of 6 people went to lunch at Cazueala's last Friday. It was very busy and the food, service, environment, and people there were absolutely wonderful.
For those who do not know me, I have been a REALTOR® in Columbus, OH for 15 years and was actually Austin Kocher's REALTOR® (and some other family members too) when selling their homes. Thank you for reading and thank you Austin for getting the word about this awful situation. I can only hope that Cazuela's continues to see an increase in business.
Thanks for the clarifications, Brent.
Karma is a real thing ! I hope Stephanie learns from her hatred and bigotry but I know these trumpers and she hasn’t. She just hates that she was caught
As a Stephanie, I hope she legitimately wants and does change. Stop effing with people and sullying our name!
Just like the security company in Idaho that lost its business license after harassing and removing a doctor from a conference.
Without any legal reason other than harrassment. The sheriff too is now under investigation.
Why do people exchanging money for services or goods feel entitled to be abusive? I have seen this over and over again.