A couple days ago, I was waiting in line to pay my
groceries in an Italian market. The cashier was white and she greeted and
thanked so kindly the white customer who was in front of me. When it was my
turn, I smiled while getting ready to answer to her kind greeting, but… she
said NOTHING to me, so I said “Good morning!”, and again she didn’t say a word.
She just scanned my articles, bagged them, and waited without saying a word
about my total amount. I know where to look for and find my total amount due,
but I am used to hear the cashier saying the total to each customer; certainly
this cashier was the exception that confirms the rule. I asked her how much it
was and she FINALLY talked to me, I gave her the money and tanked her. While I was
getting my bags I heard how kindly she was when greeting the customer behind me,
of course this customer was white.
This experience made me feel ignored by the cashier. When
things like this happens, I try to keep in mind my mom’s words saying that each
person acts like they do because of personal reasons, which are just his/hers issues
not mine. Still, I consider that an attitude like the one this cashier had with
me can make some people feel bad -ignored, unimportant- for doing basic things,
like just buying groceries.
After being more conscious about the effects of discrimination,
prejudice, and stereotypes on people, I am aware of the importance to reflect
on our hidden biases in order to be empathic, and avoid treating others in a
way we would not like to be treated.
Caty,
ReplyDeleteYour mom is right the cashier had issues; and how wise of you to realize that and use it as a reminder of the importance of seeing other's through unbiased eyes.
hey Caty - microaggressions are the worst. It's awful to learn about and awful to experience. I am sorry you had to deal with that lady. and as you say those are her issues not yours still it is upsetting. Are you in 65 with me? I feel like you are but i'm not sure. but we talked about thinking of how the other person wants to be treated when you talk to them - and maybe because you have had negative experiences you will more open to making sure when people talk to you they will have positive experiences.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteCaty,
That is a sad your experience with the cashier. Yet, I think it is the reality of the world we live in. Since my move to Arizona, from Ohio I am interestingly enough very much more aware of how ethnicity and culture influences people. My experiences through Walden and throughout our Masters program have encouraged me to be more conscious and aware of the effects stereotypes and discriminations.
I enjoyed reading your blog!!
Millie