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In her defense...
and I'm not saying that this was the case, but working retail you do tend to size people up quickly (and rashly, therefore, usually wrongly). Asshole or angel? Difficult or pleasant? While the color of your skin may have factored into it, I would like to give her the benefit of the doubt and say she was having a rough day, wasn't sure what the Wife was talking about. I mean, I don't think Easter Island is so obscure, and, you know... all those chess players in the parks in NYC? I mean, if we're talking stereotypes...
posted by
Little_Girl_Blue
on October 7, 2009 at 2:30 PM
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TAPS.
That could very well be the case. She was certainly full of it.
posted by
Talion_
on October 6, 2009 at 3:14 PM
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Pat_B
The novel is still lingering on a back burner. I had to put it down until things straightened themselves out. Now that it looks like it has, I'll start revising. It still needs a lot of work.
posted by
Talion_
on October 6, 2009 at 3:13 PM
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sam444
I had similar experiences growing up as the girl you described. Making good grades and speaking correctly often branded me with a "trying to be white" label. There's a lot of blame to go around for the way things are, but I have no doubt they will only get better. After another few generations, we may get rid of this whole race thing once and for all. Too bad I won't be around to see it.
posted by
Talion_
on October 6, 2009 at 3:08 PM
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adnohr
I too am an eternal optimist, but I have a heavy dose of cynicism that keeps my head out of the clouds.
posted by
Talion_
on October 6, 2009 at 3:02 PM
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Kabu
I write the truth as I see it, but it never ceases to amaze me how different people view the same things so differently.
posted by
Talion_
on October 6, 2009 at 3:00 PM
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She could have just been constipated and feeling sluggish sitting there. Perhaps getting up and moving around renewed her energy, and thus here interest.
posted by
TAPS.
on October 6, 2009 at 12:59 PM
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Well said, Talion!
I'm glad you and your beautiful wife had a successful visit to that little craft store. The only way I can think of improving the story would be if the lady offered to order the widget and notify you when it came in.
BTW, how's the novel going? Are you still working on it?
posted by
Pat_B
on October 6, 2009 at 9:46 AM
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Nothing incenses me than people judging or making assumptions based on the color of one's skin! I have never in my life known any color that was above another! I know there are those out there who think that way, but are badly misguided! I didn't even know you were black and I look forward to every post I see for I know I am going to be entertained. Yesterday I happened to see Oprah and she had a young black woman on who was living in the ghetto, in homeless shelters. Her mother was her base and the young woman worked hard in school and earned a full ACADEMIC scholarship to Harvard! While this is a great story, it should be based on her survival and determination, but it gets to be more special because she had to overcome the color barrier! OMW!!! This is the 21th century forevermore, can the world just get past color and find these incredibly intelligent kids no matter where they reside and get them further educated so they can improve this world we live in! I was quite taken aback because she was labelled 'a white girl' among her peers because she studied! Every kid should study!!!!! All I know is this rush to assumption because of color needs to end and I so wish I could change thinking instanteously but it needs to happen one person at a time! Thanks for allowing me to get this off my shoulder! Being a former educator I get so upset when I think about the number of great minds that go by the wayside due to hang ups on color! We are defeating ourselves as the human race when we ignore people with great potential! I hope you have a great day! sam
posted by
sam444
on October 6, 2009 at 4:14 AM
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This is a good post, and true enough. Yet you contributed something important to the learning experience of the lady shopkeeper, and that is a good thing. It is events such as these which help pave the way to worthy and fulfilling contact between humans, whatever color, nationality, or beliefs they may have. I'm an eternal optimist. I believe that, eventually, we will all arrive at the same place.
posted by
adnohr
on October 6, 2009 at 2:24 AM
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first my friend please tell dear Queen V. that I am so sorry for her loss.
We never stop missing our parents. I found that it reached a level of acceptance but there is always that something missing deep within me and my parents died nearly 20 years ago.
Please give her a big hug from me.
Second this is a wonderful post so well written and although your observations and experiences sadden me, I know that you write the truth.
posted by
Kabu
on October 5, 2009 at 6:55 PM
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