It never ceases to amaze me that people assume they are "safe" in saying things to certain people. Back in my retail days there was a customer that came into the shop and we started conversing with each other. Come to find out we lived in the same neighborhood. She went on to explain that she really used to like the neighborhood, but then......(this is where she leans in and whispers in my ear), "those people" started moving in, you know, (then she whispers even more quietly, while putting her hand on my arm) "the blacks." Instead of getting angry, or instead of being shocked, I slowly moved closer to her, put my hand on her arm, (of course she thought I was going to agree with her) and said, "you might want to watch who you make racist comments to because I am married to one of "those people," my husband is black." Then I proceeded to step back and watch her turn 50 different shades of red and just stand there in silence. There were no more words needed....you know what they say about assuming......=) Saturday, May 9, 2009
Don't Ever Assume.....
It never ceases to amaze me that people assume they are "safe" in saying things to certain people. Back in my retail days there was a customer that came into the shop and we started conversing with each other. Come to find out we lived in the same neighborhood. She went on to explain that she really used to like the neighborhood, but then......(this is where she leans in and whispers in my ear), "those people" started moving in, you know, (then she whispers even more quietly, while putting her hand on my arm) "the blacks." Instead of getting angry, or instead of being shocked, I slowly moved closer to her, put my hand on her arm, (of course she thought I was going to agree with her) and said, "you might want to watch who you make racist comments to because I am married to one of "those people," my husband is black." Then I proceeded to step back and watch her turn 50 different shades of red and just stand there in silence. There were no more words needed....you know what they say about assuming......=) 
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4 comments:
Hey there! I got positive chills when I read this. I think Jamie is right. You should keep going with this blog. It's great and your personality (and writing style) is perfect for blogging. Keep going!!!!
Thank you so much for your comment and for stopping by to read my blog! I appreciate it! Amy
Wow, this same incident has happened to me on a few different occasions. It's amazing how bold some people are with their statements and how quickly they want to insert foot after learning who they're speaking to. I'm really enjoying your blog, Amy...keep it up. "Customer Angela" (lol)
"Customer Angela" (that is now your forever nickname by the way...too funny),
Isn't it amazing how people are so clueless? If it wasn't so sad it would be funny. I really do hope that with Obama in office and what we are all teaching our children that those comments will become fewer and far between. One can hope.
Hugs....Amy
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