Racism With a Twist

Racism-now there’s a touchy topic. Everyone has their perception of what it looks like or what it is and because it is a sensitive issue people often miss it or even agree that it is justified when it’s happening right under their noses. Oftentimes the lines can become blurred and it may take someone who can walk on both sides of an issue to bring things into the light, to make everything clear and sometimes make a difference.

There definitely is a thing called “white privilege” and one woman was in the position to use hers to make a difference. She used her unique situation to open the eyes of people “like her”. Racism is an ugly thing that can show itself in the most subtle ways. Many Caucasian people claim not to be racist. Prove it: by taking a stand when you are a witness to blatant bigotry, disrespect, or degradation towards someone of color. Take advantage of your “white privilege”. 

Social media can prove to be an ultimate source to convey many kinds of messages. In the case of one woman on Upworthy’s FaceBook page, she shared a very moving story about how she was treated in her neighborhood grocery store. This shopper who happened to be African American was with her ten year old daughter and her sister-n-law. Her sister-in-law is also African American but, there’s a twist; she has blond hair, blue eyes and fair skin. In other words: she can pass for Caucasian. There can be many variations when it comes to physical features within the African American community.

The fair skinned sister-in-law, who was ahead in line, received a warm welcome and chit-chat, she paid with a check and waited close by for the rest of her family. This is where the table turns. No welcome or conversation, from the cashier, for the woman who is unmistakably black who also pulls out her check book. The cashier then proceeds to ask for several forms of ID. The woman decides not to protest, to “choose her battles”, for the sake of her daughter, who is a witness to this disturbing situation. To make matters worse the cashier then pulls out the big book of “bad checks” to look for the African American woman’s name.

When the child, who was clearly upset, asks her Mom about the biased treatment, her Mother makes the decision to use this opportunity as a teaching moment. Let’s face it, enough is enough. She protests being asked for the IDs and also asks why she is a target for the bad check book. The cashier claims that it is “policy”. The obvious question is policy for whom? The fair-skinned relative interjects. She points out that she was not asked for any ID and paid with a check. The cashier lies about being familiar with her. She’s new to the area. It is her sister-in-law’s neighborhood. Because, the sister-in-law, who is presumed to be white, takes a stance many of the other Caucasian customers are now suddenly interested and appalled. The manager now becomes part of the discussion, after the white customers had a problem. This type of situation happens every day with people of color who are forced to “choose their battles”

“White privilege” is a concept that persists today. As an African American woman, I can say that those who are privy to it will never understand some of the struggles that we can be faced with on a normal day to day basis. To carry out what should be a basic, simple chore such as buying a bag of groceries to feed our families can become an experience steeped in bigotry, disrespect and many times humiliation. For those of you who claim not to be racist, prove it. Don’t spew a list of all of your ethnic friends, or that you “give” to the United Negro College Fund, speak up when you see it playing out right under your noses. “White privilege” has many advantages. Use yours to make a difference.