Former “Dirty Jobs” host Mike Rowe gave the perfect response to critics of the former “The Cosby Show” star Geoffrey Owens, who was spotted working at a Trader Joe’s in New Jersey.
For those unfamiliar with the story, Owens was mocked online for working a minimum wage job after a British tabloid shared photos of him working in his workplace uniform.
The actor responded in a humble manner, saying, “This business of my being this ‘Cosby’ guy who got shamed for working at Trader Joe’s, that’s going to pass … but I hope what doesn’t pass is this idea … this rethinking about what it means to work, the honor of the working person and the dignity of work.”
Rowe wrote to Owens in a Tuesday post, “Saw the drama over the weekend. Read the articles. Watched the interviews. Fascinating.”
Rowe then discussed his S.W.E.A.T. (Skill and Work Ethic Aren’t Taboo) Pledge, explaining that it promotes “personal responsibility, delayed gratification, work ethic, and a positive attitude.”
“It’s a twelve-point pledge that embodies what I believe are qualities that all people of character possess,” he said. “It seems to me that you more than qualify.”
Rowe then offered to send Owens a signed S.W.E.A.T. Pledge to applaud his comments.
“Over the years, we’ve sold thousands of these things, mostly as a fundraiser for the scholarship fund, but also, as public reminder that work is never the enemy.” Rowe continued, “Want one? I think it would look great in the break room at Trader Joe’s. Or maybe the entrance? Or wherever you’d like to hang it. They’re normally $12, but all thing considered, I’m happy to send you one, compliments of mikeroweWORKS.”
Rowe concluded, “Thanks for what you’ve done, and for what you’re doing. And good luck with whatever comes next.”
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