Growing up as an African American in the south I must say that one will experience a lot of trial and errors known as isms. I can remember when I was about twelve years old and my father and I went to the beauty supply store to get some colored hair spray because of an event I was having at school. As I walked in the store (I still had my school clothes on and if I remember correctly we had switch day and I had put on some baggy shorts, a cap, a t-shirt, some knee socks, and tennis) I can recall the store owner following me around in the store the entire time I was there. As I was looking for my hair spray I asked for assistance and that’s when I noticed that lady speaking in another language and pointing at me. He soon then approached me and asked me what was I looking for and I needed to hurry up and make a purchase and they didn’t want any trouble. For a second I was lost then I realize they assumed I was stealing or either trying to rob them. I immediately ran to my father’s truck and told him what happen and he came into the store raising all kind of saying but in a concerned parent way if that’s a thing. The lady then stated at my dad “You people are all the same. You are loud, you steal and you are bad for business”. Once we heard that remark we instantly reported that particular store and never went back. I would have to say that was my first time actually experiencing racial micro aggression and micro assault all at once. One of the two factors is that people who have good intentions often make racially biased comments, but are unaware of any wrong doings. (Walden, 2011). Even as a young child I knew at that point if you didn’t dress a certain way, talk a certain way, or even act a certain way I would forever be put in some stereotypical group.
I feel that this particular indcident dimishied equilty because at such an early age and maybe because of the store owner previous experience she had make a prejudice thought and bias comment about me because I am an African American. I wasn't treated as a customer looking for a specific item to purchased. I was looked at as a "Black Girl" trying to cause trouble. Once I have this experience I felt terrible and hurt and it was sad because my dad looked at me and could tell what I was feeling and it was nothing he could do about it. I feel there was nothing I could have done differently to get great equilty maybe it was just that particular person with a bias and closed prejudice mind.
Rena,
ReplyDeleteI can't believe you had to experience something like that at twelve. People need to open their eyes and understand that everyone is not the same because of their ethnic background or race. This is a great post!
I just returned from a road trip through many southern states. I have to agree with you that racial tensions are palpable in the south. I live near Chicago, and there are definitely isms and cultural and racial predjudices here, but they are kept hidden. In the deep south, where is visitors, there was an open sense of distrust and separation between races. There was also a definite sense of distrust of my Yankee family as well.
ReplyDeleteIt is very sad that you had that experience as a child - especially when you were so happy and excited about the events at school and about the purchase you were about to make. I think that many people need to open their minds and hearts to others so that we can learn to live in a diverse society. However, we as teachers, have a great opportunity to instill this type of unbiased thinking into children at a young age.
It is amazing how a child can quickly catch on to what is happening in the child's atmosphere. Like you, I recalled as a child, I knew I was different based on how others respond to me. It was not always a pleasant feeling.
ReplyDeleteAs a teacher, you can instill all things that children can learn and do while they are young.