I finally received a job offer. While I am very glad to have work, there was an aspect of the process that I found disturbing. This won't be news to most US members, but the finalization of the job offer is contingent on passing a drug test. Now, I have no doubt that I will pass. I've never taken any illegal substances, smoked a cigarette, or consumed alcohol.
You see, that's part of what bothers me: the presumption of guilt. My record is spotless. My driving record is clean. And yet, speaking with the manager, it was made clear to me that I was guilty until proven innocent. If I didn't take the test within 48 hours, it was going to be assumed that I was avoiding the test out of guilt. I looked the manager in the eye and said with all honesty, "I know that you can't simply take my word for it, but I've never taken anything." I gave an embarrassed smile. She responded with a look of skepticism.
The other aspect of this that bothers me is that it's such a profound violation of privacy. Maybe it's different for males, but as a female, I found the entire process to be very uncomfortable and degrading. I was not comfortable discussing the drug screening with my future employer, nor did it help that the doctor was male. I find it deeply disturbing that this trend was ever permitted to insinuate itself into the American workplace in such a pervasive manner.
Of course I understood that retailers conduct drug screening. What I didn't realize is that every single prospective employee falls under suspicion--regardless of criminal background or lack thereof--and therefore needs to be subjected to the criminally invasive process of pre-employment drug screening.
As I said, I didn't dismiss this opportunity. I need the work. I don't need anyone else talking down to me because I don't have a job. (I've had friends with jobs their parents found for them speak to me in a condescending tone.) But I didn't mention the drug screening to my family. I know that they would pressure me to give up this position if they found out.
I'm curious as to how non-US members feel about this situation. Based on what I've read, this practice is not at all common in other parts of the world, including Europe and Canada. This and other normalized abuses of authority (i.e., corporal punishment, etc.) really make me question how much I value my US citizenship. I don't think I can remain in a country that condones this manner of conduct.
