Dear Gabby,
I am not a racist person, but sometimes I feel like certain opposites are against me. But then again, I guess it depend what area you live in. I am an African American by the way. An example would be when I’m in the grocery store walking down the aisles and someone is approaching me from the opposite direction and they keep coming toward me as if I was not there forcing me to literally jump out the way. And note that excuse me was not even said. It’s clear that no respect is given. I have some research by asking people of my race how they feel about the matter. They seem to feel the same way. Is this a sign of being paranoid considering in today’s society racism still exists? And how can I handle the matter?
Sincerely,
Dear,
In general, I think the world and society are becoming less compassionate, and our experiences are making us harsh not only as an individual, but also as a society. I can’t say whether the person was being racist or not, but I do think that people are so focused on their fast-paced lifestyle that they forget about the simple things, such as, smiling to another person in the grocery store, or holding the door for the person behind them.
Nowadays, it’s easy to get caught up with your internal monologue while you’re shopping or completing a random task of the day. Before you know it, life gets away from you and you don’t remember the 10 minutes that just passed. I don’t think it’s necessarily a mindset that is focused on being rude or mean, but it’s simply the fact that we are so caught up with our own to-do lists that the hustle and bustle of life tend to takeover.
I do believe values and mindsets tend to rub off on people, so with what is happening in today’s society, like racism or social media trends, everyone starts to form the same thoughts. It might not be intentional, but once it’s all over the media, generally, people start to be more paranoid about what is being talked about. We start to analyze the situation, and before we know it, we create a conflict that maybe wasn’t even there to begin with, or maybe it was.
It’s all perspectives, and as much as I’d like to give you a white or black answer, no pun intended, I just can’t. I’d like to give the benefit of the doubt to people that maybe it’s not about the color of the skin or the way someone is dressed, maybe it’s just that the other person was having a bad day, and although they shouldn’t be taking it out on anyone, they chose to just not respect the first person they saw, being you in the aisle of the grocery store.
Everyone’s experiences are different. I think that is something that is fascinating and unique, so I think that should challenge us to be kind to everyone. We don’t know what someone is battling, so show kindness even if someone isn’t reciprocating the feeling. We all know a form of racism is happening today, but I don’t know whether to put this situation in that category. However, the only way to start change is by being the change. I hope everyone can find the courage to be as one, despite skin color or social and financial status, and also find a way to respect others. I don’t know your situation or the feelings you experienced that day, but I do think that you should be confident with your background and who you are, don’t take it personal that she didn’t move out of the way or say ‘excuse me.’ Take the opportunity next time to smile and send a wave of happiness.
With hope and peace,
Gabby