I don’t like intolerance, too often as a kid I was on the end that was being pointed at. Now it’s a good thing as it makes me see through eyes of compassion.
I had this experience at work. We own a furniture store, my foster sister and I, and hubby. I was at the register and this guy came up to check out. He didn’t know me from adam, but he started in saying the N word, N-this, N-that. I glanced at my Fsister and she kind of shook her head [not wanting me to erupt, I guess]. I’m the fairest, red-headed, green eyed girl anywhere. I thougth “now what can I say that will let him know I DO NOT agree with him—cause he obviously thinks I do.” Finally, I said, “Oh please, don’t use that word! I have family and friends who are black!” His mouth fell open, but he shut up.
My Fsister first told me I couldn’t do that in business. HUH? I said, I have to . . . it’s my ethic. She said ‘ethics have no place in business.’ Whoa, I told her I wondered if I should be in busienss with her! But she didn’t mean that, really. She was of the school, you don’t alienate a customer. I told her I didn’t insult the guy. I didn’t tell him what not to say. I probably didn’t change his mind. But I may have caused him to think the next time he sees someone in the South who he believes thinks just like him…and even if I didn’t do any of that.
I had to speak for myself.