Privileged while shopping It’s @VeryWhiteGuy again. I was going to BJs to get some ice which they keep in the back of the store so I simply paid for 4 bags then went with my brother in law (black) to get the ice. We each grabbed two bags and I started to walk out. I had the receipt, we paid, I’m white so I didn’t give it a second thought. My brother in law asked “are we just going to walk out of here?” I jokingly said it’s all good - you’re with the white guy. We had a laugh, but in all seriousness that’s the essence of white privilege. I didn’t even think or consider for one second there might be an issue. In contrast my brother in law has to be vigilant, aware and thinking about how he interacts within white spaces, at all times. He can’t let his guard down for a minute. And if you’re reading this and you’re thinking “what’s the big deal, he could just show the receipt” - it’s not that simple. The act of being asked for the receipt, every time and knowing that you’re being treated differently because of your skin is an indignation. A humiliation. It’s embarrassing and uncomfortable. Now think about how that would feel if you felt that way every time you shopped.
Posted on: Sat, 03 Jan 2015 16:06:00 +0000
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