As much as we would like to believe that we are in a post-racial society, there are always a few gentle reminders that although we were all created, some may never see everyone as equal.
Former NBA player (Washington Wizards and Atlanta Hawks) had his gentle reminder on a train commute this week, when he asked a female commuter if he could sit next to her. Noting that he lowered his voice and proceeded with care as to not intimidate the woman, he was told someone was sitting there only to find out moments later, when a Caucasian man asked to sit there, she eagerly removed her belongings.
Of course blatant prejudice doesn’t sit right with anyone, so Thomas confronted the woman and asked if his blackness played a role in her denying him a seat. Her only defense was “Don’t play the race card. I dated a black guy in college.”
[Where have I heard that line before? It’s usually filed next to the “ I have X amount black friends” and the “You aren’t like ‘them’ excuse”.]
The nice gentleman who sat next to her offered Thomas his seat, but Thomas declined because he was going to post his experience on Facebook.
Just my thoughts- I can deal with an overt racist person. I know how you are coming so I can adjust myself accordingly, but it’s the discreet, undercover, I date XYZ, My friends are XYZ that bother me. Own who you are unless you are ashamed of it. And if you are ashamed, chances are, you should fix it.
