Did I Hear Correctly? 👂🏾

I never thought for ONE moment in my life that I would publicly be addressing Racism. I’m blessed to be part of a huge extended family that reflects multiple ethnicities. I believe that ‘Education builds bridges for all people to cross to become the Human race’ 👋🏾👋🏾👋🏾👋🏾.  Well, I trust MY last sentence was acceptable to you, because my words just came together to form the sentence – and I liked it !!! But, I honestly believe education is key to seeing everyone as a part of the human race. 

Last evening I was at the receiving end of an offensive comment that stumped me enough to cause me to pause in disbelief. I must say, it was done in a subtle manner something like an unintended sarcastic response. Nevertheless I was appalled. 

Here’s the scenario: I wanted to see the Movie ‘Jackie’… so my sister accompanied me. We first had dinner in the VIP Lounge after which we decided it was time to get seated inside the VIP room. My sister was a little way behind me as I entered the auditorium. As I stood waiting for my sister in the aisle …there was a young lady who was on her way out to grab something before the movie started. 

Oblivious to the young lady that I was standing next to her waiting for my sister and I to get seated, she proceeded to speak up a little loud, enough to get her Mom’s attention who was already seated – ‘It’s all white Mom’. I believe it was whatever ‘thing’ she was heading outside to purchase. As she turned to continue her trip outside …she noticed I was standing next to her waiting to get into our seats. So with the same previous tone to her Mom, she told her Mom …’Mom, it’s all white JUST LIKE US’.

I was so stunned and puzzled at her second comment that I looked around the 40 leather seats 💺 to observe the audience. Yep, my sister and I were the only blacks. My non-verbal response – I waited for her to return to the room and proceeded to give three deliberate stares that made her very uncomfortable. There were approximately 40 leatherback seats (all occupied) 💺 and only two black persons in the VIP room.

I had to command my thoughts to – let it go! 🎈

1. I am not crazy. I am not being too sensitive. My reaction was valid. It hurt and it was very awkward to address with a stranger. So, I needed to write about it to get it out of my head. I’m a blogger, and blogging helps me to express my feelings, thoughts and lessons learnt. I also blog to help you with life lessons if ever you are faced with similar challenges. We all can intellectually avoid confrontations when faced with any form of racism- no matter the color.

2. Make a healthy call to let it go mentally. No overthinking. No retaliation.  Anything else makes you just as guilty as the person who offended you. Purpose to keep your composure in all situations. Adjust your Crown 👑 

“Fools are quick to express their anger, but wise people are patient and control themselves.” Proverbs‬ ‭29:11‬ ‭ERV

3. Pick your battles. NOT EVERYONE – white, black, Asian, Mexican, or any other ethnicity that interacts with you is thoughtless or insensitive. 👊🏾

4. I will never see her again, so it’s not worth losing my sleep because of her comment whether spoken intentionally or un-intentionally.

Why can’t we all just get along?