Don't you just love when stores become overprotective? Especially those who follow you around and are reluctant to help you because you look like you can't afford anything? This week while I was shopping, I was profiled by shopkeepers despite having the money they want. But I understand why they did, here are some reasons.

1. The large horns I have on top of my head

These horns were inherited from my mother and they have been worn by many goats and maybe some lizards here and there.

2. My third eye

No need to watch out for people who steal, I’m already watching them.

3. The snakes that extend from my scalp

Don’t worry they’re friendly, except Charles. He bites.

4. My scales

They sparkle when the light hits them and it sometimes blinds others, shopkeepers beware.

5. There’s a unicorn behind me at all times.

He follows my every move and he impales people on his bad days, he’s also very beautiful.

OK, I’m going to cut the nonsense.

It’s because I’m brown and I look like I don’t have money.

I have a baby face that supposedly says “Hey, I’m going to look and not buy anything because I’m actually fifteen, not the thriving adult I am.”

I’m not saying to shopkeepers, help me all the time or be a car salesman. But don’t act like I can’t see you eyeing me, or greeting the people behind me instead of me. Or stereotype my class by clothes, because my bag may look beat up and my clothes may be dusty.

But I’m not walking in the mall because I want to look at all the different demographics of people and basing their shopping preferences and class by how they look.

Like you are.