What memory do you have of an incident when you
experienced bias, prejudice, and/or oppression, or witnessed someone
else as the target of bias, prejudice, and/or oppression? Keep in mind that one
can encounter such incidents in real contexts, including online environments,
as well as in fictional ones, such as movies, books, television shows, and the
like.
I was 14/15
years old and my Boss mom came into my line to pay for her goods out of the grocery
store. Well, I’m young trying to keep up with friends my age and I had my nails
done. I must admit that the color was loud but it was summer time so I try and
match the seasons with my nail polish. As I begin to punch the total amount of
cash she gave me she stated that’s some N**** nail polish on your hand. Only
N**** will wear that color on your hand. I politely said Thank you Mrs... And
you have a fantastic day. I never frowned, looked sad or anything and continued
on with my day. She went into the office discussed this with her son which is
my manger and I heard him say Momma why would you say that to her. She looked
at him and smile. Since that day, her feelings towards Black changed I think
she was looking for a bad reaction but I didn’t give her satisfaction. My mom
taught me to treat my elderly with the upmost respect and that’s what I do.
What feelings did this incident bring up for
you? I didn’t show any feelings at the time, but when I got home tears begin to
flow because I felt that I was belittled because of the color nail polish I
wore. The next day my mom took me to get my nail polish changed and I wear calm
and natural colors now
What and/or who would have to change in order to
turn this incident into an opportunity for greater equity? She changed her
feelings towards African Americans because she said I was very nice, respectful
and has a humble spirit. She’s abut 94 years old now and every time I’m in
town, I stop by that grocery store to see how she doing. It took her a while to
start hugging me but now she hugs me and talks for hours.
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