I have never been so disrespected in my LIFE!
Today I walked into the store that is across from my doctor's office. I had never seen the place before (hadn't been to this doctor in over a year), and it was beautiful on the outside, so I decided to go in. My attire was very grunge (sweats) as I had just changed from my nursing school uniform (worst day ever as I didn't do so well on my final exam, and had been crying), and I was very hurt about the day that I had already had. I usually shop at a different store since I live in La Vergne, but I thought to compare prices. I walked in, cased the store looking at items I usually buy elsewhere. After doing so, I realized that the prices were about $2-$3 more than what I am used to paying, so I proceeded to leave. As I was walking out, the black cashier asked me was there anything he could help me find, I replied "no" and walked through the first door. A man held the door for me, so I thanked him and moved with haste as it is 30 degrees outside. The tall, blonde owner of the store literally ran after me, never said anything and stood behind my car to text my plates to someone. I do not know who. I went to her and asked "Ma'am do you think I took anything, if so, you are welcome to search my purse and car. she never replied to me and went back inside. As I left, I called my mom, bc I wasn't sure, but I thought I might have been profiled (I am black). I told her the story, and she said to go back, and ask for a card. I did so, but when I asked she immediately yelled at me "NO! Hunnie it doesn't work like that!" I said, "I'm sorry what doesn't work like what?" She told me that I was not allowed to walk into a store, not greet anybody, and then leave without buying anything. I was floored. I said, with much respect," ma'am I've walked into Gucci, Nordstrom's, etc., and I had never had anyone run me down for not speaking. I wasn't greeted when I walked in." She began to yell and scream at me, and all I wanted was a card. Long story short, I called the police, bc I felt unsafe not knowing who she gave my plates to. When they arrived, as they were getting my story, she barged out, as if to interrupt my truth, snatched the officer inside by stating "I have the tape up now!". I sobbed bc of the day I had had, but my heart broke more after the cop came back and told me that she stated that "because of the way she looked, dressed, and the size of her purse" I must have taken SOMETHING. She is now watching the tapes, my hands never left my pockets, but people that look like me are killed every day, just bc of our skin color, sweat pants, or some other preconceived notion. I am a nurse bridging my degree to RN, and will be done in 3.5 weeks, I wonder, if black nurses everywhere felt like she felt about whites, would we still save, treat, and heal them? My answer is yes, but after my experience today, my heart is shattered for humanity, goodness, and anything pure. I have had subtle things said, and little innuendos made to me, about how pretty I was to be a "black girl," but I always chose to just take the pretty part, and leave the rest; you know, silver lining type stuff. I have never been treated and talked to like I was today by this woman. I pray for her healing. Love one another, we are read more
