Hello, I work with numerous humans. Navigating their emotionality is quite haphazardous at times, and today I have seemingly transgressed on my colleague “Mike”.
I have observed for numerous months that Mike appeared to be attempting a science experiment of sorts. It was a lacto-bacilli fermentation but I was unsure to what end. Mike had repurposed many parts of his meals and placed them into a sealed container to make something called “Kombucha”. I am familiar with many fermented human foods, however I was unsure that Mike would achieve a favorable result. When asked why he didn’t use the replicator for his “kombucha”, he said it’s not the same. I am still attempting to understand his logic as it quite literally would be the same.
Nevertheless, I have kept a careful eye on the fermentation, and as it’s entered it’s third month I noticed signs of bacterial and fungal contamination. Believing the dish to be clearly compromised, I safely discarded of it with the proper biohazard precautions. However, Mike is now irate, saying I ruined his lunch and that he likes it, “chunky but soft”. I do not follow his logic. AIBI?
YBI.
I do not believe you did an objectively wrong thing when discarding your human coworker"s concoction. However, it is a fact that you do not understand their culture, you admitted so yourself. It is therefore illogical to take any action regarding his lunch without his consent. In addition, humans are emotional creatures, and may not react favorably to your intrusions, no matter how logical they may be.
The logical thing to have done would have been to raise this issue to your coworker once you noticed it, taking with you your evidence that it would pose a health hazard to him and to the crew. Tossing it without his consent should be your last resort to protect the crew’s health.
I make an attempt to understand human culture as much as possible. See the note about how I have tried many fermented human foods.
I do not understand Mike.