The one memory of prejudice that I witnessed was when I was younger. The time I remember was when I was about five or six years old my mom, dad and I were all in the supermarket and my dad was playing with me. During the play he was picking me up and hugging me. Around us were barrels of loose candy, the employee thought my dad was putting the candy in my pockets so he proceeded to follow us around. My parents then notice that he was following us and my dad asked was there a problem. That is when we find out what his thoughts were. My parents left the grocery cart right in the middle of the aisle and went to another store.
To diminish the equity in this situation my parents should have not left, they should have went and talked to a manager, and if that didn't work talk to the owner of the supermarket. I do not know if at that time if that would have changed anything, but they should have tried to get some sort of equity out of the situation. At the time, I really did not understand to have feelings about the situation, but now looking back that was hurtful. A African American family cannot have family time in the store without people thinking they are going to steal. The employees at the store would have had to change their outlook on things for this cycle to be changed. That was in 1986 or 1987, things were a little different then now, the issue today is that we still have a lot of close minded people who need to change their behaviors.
Tashana,
ReplyDeleteThat is so sad, but yes your parents should have stood their ground, spoke to the manager, and continued their shopping. Unfortunately, I think sometimes we are so dumbfounded,shocked, and hurt, that all we can do is walk away.
Sondi
Tashana,
ReplyDeleteWhat a hard experience to live through. I agree that your parents should have stood their ground and talked to the manager. I also agree it might not have made a difference back then. It is sad that there are still close-minded people still in the society today. I think that everyone needs to step up and say something if we hear something like this. Make people aware that it isn't right to disrespect others just because they "look" different.
Wow Tashana even though you say this took place a while back we do still have people that look at you pretty funny in the store if you laugh to loud, if you talk to loud, folks seem to be suspicious anytime they see blacks walk into a store.
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