Making a mockery of Geoffrey Owens working at Trader Joe’s is what’s morally wrong with our society

A picture of actor Geoffrey Owens, best known for his role as Elvin Tibideaux on The Cosby Show, surfaced last week of him working as a cashier at a New Jersey Trader Joe’s. Immediately outlets took hold of the photo to job shame the actor.

Geoffrey Owens hard work is no laughing matter

The malicious intent of “exposing” Owens reminds me we still continue to dwell in a society based on statuses. Pity the fool that belittles someone for doing an honest man’s/woman’s work.

I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Owens at an opening show at the Two River Theater in Red Bank, N.J. about six years ago. My immediate reaction was not why one of the stars of The Cosby Show is at a local theater, but how cool to see one of the stars from my favorite childhood show at this local theater.

After taking a picture and briefly speaking with him, Owens talked about his love for theater and how he was still performing in the theatrical dynamic. In fact, some years later after our meeting, Owens performed in several productions at the Two River Theater.

Owens is a working actor who just happens to have other jobs, too.

Doing what you have to do

It is never shameful to do what you have to do to put food on the table. I can remember working as a cashier at CVS and the shameful treatment I received from customers. Sometimes, it was worse from people who knew me or my family. I remember one person I went to school with said, “I never expected you to be here”.

While growing up, I was deemed to be an intelligent butterfly that would someday become a doctor, lawyer, or a prominent figure.

What little the criticizers knew was, I was an entrepreneur of this thriving business, working towards a degree, and CVS provided with me good health insurance until God saw fit for me to move on. I am now the owner of several thriving businesses, speak about communications and entrepreneurship, and have a career in one of the highest level’s you can obtain. And well, if I needed to go back to CVS for some extra income, I still would not be ashamed to do so.

We as a society have to do better on forcing our expectations on others. It is not your perception of what’s successful, but the person living it. In laymen terms, more people should get in the habit of simply minding their own business. Live your best life, while others live theirs.

Shame on those customers who took the photo of Owens to lampoon his honest job at Trader Joe’s and the distasteful articles and comments to follow.

Kudos to the actors and many others who have rallied behind Owens in understanding the true meaning of a working actor. For all we know, Owens could simply be working at Trader Joe’s because he wants to, not because he has to.

For the artists out there, continue to live the dream and do what you have to do get to where you’re going. It’ll all be worth it.

Mr. Geoffrey Owens, if you read this, know that we are extremely proud of you.  Rock on brotha. We appreciate you.

Stay strong.