I think it’s funny how racist white people act. Being a young black female in Louisville, KY, I’ve experienced my fair share of racism. From the, I-did-nothing-wrong-but-they-labeled-me-a-thugette type of racism. To the let-me-follow-her-and-make-sure-she-doesn’t-do-anything kind. And the ever popular stereotypical kind.
The most recent “racist moment” happened when I was in Walgreen’s. Not bothering anyone, just looking around. I will admit that I was “dressed the part” if you will. I was wearing a green sweater with red sweat pants and pair of light blue Timberland boots. I’m not one that puts a ton of thought into what I wear as long as I’m comfortable, but there’s the label racism.
I was there with a loved one and as I began looking for her, I noticed two white, female cashiers near the photo station. The younger one behind the counter and the older sitting at the photo kiosk. After I found her, we separated again and I went up towards the entrance registers. I was looking at the rack and heard the the younger lady say something, almost as if she was the Chinese woman from Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking your Juice in the Hood who kept telling them to “Hurry up and buy!”. Although, I assumed she was speaking to someone else because my back was turned towards them because like I said, I was looking at a rack.
So, as I was looking, I noticed a tripod stand for cellphones. Excited about such a product, I picked it up and went to show it to my loved one. As I turned around, I noticed the women looking at me like I was somehow “up to something”. But I shrugged it off because I could care less about how someone else feels about what I’m wearing. So, I showed the item to my loved one and as we were walking back over to the rack, she confirmed that they were indeed looking at me and whispering among themselves. She said that it wasn’t until they noticed her looking at them, that they stopped.
Like I questioned my loved one, why was she even talking to me? I wasn’t even headed in her direction nor to a register, period. I was looking at a rack, still shopping. And there were two other people up there, both in which were also black females. I guess I was the only one that looked “suspicious”.
So, of course when I went to checkout I spoke with proper language and intelligence. “Oh, I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to ignore you, I just didn’t think you were speaking to me.” I then ignored her and started a conversation with my loved one and handed her my money before she even got the chance to tell me the total. I didn’t speak to her again until I said “Thanks! Have a blessed night!” Not out of spite I assure you, just out disgust.
I’ve never been one to judge by a cover, literally or figuratively. I don’t think it’s fair. But not everyone lives by Luke 6:31 “Do unto to others as you would have them do unto you.”
You know, the part that disgust me is that there are soooo many white people who claim to be devout Christians. Yet, majority of them don’t follow even the most basic scriptures. They place themselves upon the highest horses but don’t even deserved to be near it. But in GOD WE TRUST! Right?
I’ll just end by stating, they lost a customer. I surely haven’t been back since and I promise I will not be back again. I boycott businesses with bad customer service.
Be The Change! 