Terkel: "Working" Watching Section

Fritz Ritter (Terkel, 126) is a doorman and has been doing that for most of his life.  I find this job similar to that of an operator except for the fact he's face to face with people.  At first, I had no idea that job existed until I had watched a couple of movies years ago that contained doorman characters.  One doesn't think much of that person, but that doorman thinks a lot about the people that go by.

I enjoyed reading Ritter's perspective on his job.  He says, "...I have a nice job and I don't kill myself.  I wouldn't like to take off now and sit on the bench here, with the older men here.  I wouldn't like it every day, like friends of mine.  I'm active, I like to do something" (129).  Although every occupation has its cons, being a doorman can also be enjoyable.  I wonder if, for Ritter, watching people is sometimes overwhelming.  I wonder if there are at times when he really wishes to talk them even though he can't.

The complete opposite is a policeman called Vincent Maher (Terkel, 129).  I like how Maher describes his job because not only is he honest, but he is also a good man.  Although his job often time requires him to be cool and calm, tough and bold, he has a good heart (137).

When I was in first or second grade, I wanted to be a policewoman.  Honestly, I can't remember why, but now that I look back, it would be an honor.  If only I had the self control to hold my emotions in place while dealing with criminals.  If only I knew how to act in the right situation.  If only I could withhold fear.  I mean, this man has seen it all.  He knows how to act in the situation.

One type of role he has to play in his job is that of a father (136).  There is no doubt that a large percentage of criminals are young.  Who do they need most in their life?  A parent.  Even if the kid doesn't know them self.  Another role he mentions is a counselor (134).  A cop has encountered all kinds of criminals and delinquents.  There not a chance that they know nothing about people.  They apply psychology to their job (131).  On occasion, even though it may be prohibited, sometimes a criminal needs to hear advice from the one person that sees hope in them.  Maher has seen enough individuals to know that there is more to life than committing crimes.