"It is funny how people who know the least about you have the most to say." ~Unknown
I was in line waiting for my sister and niece to join me as we ordered food at the mall the other day. When they walked up next to me, the woman behind us confronted my sister, and accused her of cutting in line. My sister calmly explained that I had been standing there for the three of us, and reassured the woman that she was not cutting the line. The woman went on with stories and grievances of people cutting in front of her intentionally, to which my sister responded: “Ok…But WE don’t do things like that.”
I was in line waiting for my sister and niece to join me as we ordered food at the mall the other day. When they walked up next to me, the woman behind us confronted my sister, and accused her of cutting in line. My sister calmly explained that I had been standing there for the three of us, and reassured the woman that she was not cutting the line. The woman went on with stories and grievances of people cutting in front of her intentionally, to which my sister responded: “Ok…But WE don’t do things like that.”
I am not sure if my sister used the word “we” in reference to the Rogers clan of women, who were raised right and would never exhibit such poor manners and rudeness; or, if she used the word “we” in reference to black people in general – the woman behind us was an older white lady. Either way, I was proud of the way she firmly, but respectfully, stood up for us. My sister is a Ram, after all. It could have gone in a totally different direction had that infamous Aries temper flared up (trust me, I’ve seen it).
I had such a strong reaction to my sister’s choice of words, “we don’t do things like that,” so much so that I felt inspired to write this blog. As a black woman, and a genuinely well-meaning individual, it is infuriating when people make assumptions about me. Whether they are feeding into stereotypes, or judging me for some other random reason, one of my biggest pet peeves is the presumption of others to know who I am, and what I am about, without taking the opportunity to truly get to know me. I am sure, dear reader, you can totally relate.
My aim with this blog is not to make myself out to be a victim. Instead, I write this blog with a small request: please choose to see the best in others before you jump to conclusions based on your own fears, biases, and insecurities. I bleed, people. I am as strong as I am deeply sensitive – brave as I am often times just winging it – and I find it offensive that someone would accuse me of being unkind on purpose. Most folks are good, regardless of differences. Believe that. Giving others the benefit of the doubt is not a sign of weakness, nor is it naive. It’s actually quite courageous – an evolved way to be. It’s the definition of humanity.
Check your horoscopes to see what's in store for the week ahead, and don't forget to read for your Ascendant sign too.
I had such a strong reaction to my sister’s choice of words, “we don’t do things like that,” so much so that I felt inspired to write this blog. As a black woman, and a genuinely well-meaning individual, it is infuriating when people make assumptions about me. Whether they are feeding into stereotypes, or judging me for some other random reason, one of my biggest pet peeves is the presumption of others to know who I am, and what I am about, without taking the opportunity to truly get to know me. I am sure, dear reader, you can totally relate.
My aim with this blog is not to make myself out to be a victim. Instead, I write this blog with a small request: please choose to see the best in others before you jump to conclusions based on your own fears, biases, and insecurities. I bleed, people. I am as strong as I am deeply sensitive – brave as I am often times just winging it – and I find it offensive that someone would accuse me of being unkind on purpose. Most folks are good, regardless of differences. Believe that. Giving others the benefit of the doubt is not a sign of weakness, nor is it naive. It’s actually quite courageous – an evolved way to be. It’s the definition of humanity.
Check your horoscopes to see what's in store for the week ahead, and don't forget to read for your Ascendant sign too.
