I was blind-sided. All my life, I believed that life was going to be great, and never have to worry about anything. Well, everything hit the fan people! I grew older and realized that people have a problem with how I look. I do not look the same as anyone else. So, to touch more on this, I am giving you a list of "some" of experiences that I have had being a minority.
1. Walking in and feeling famous
There are numerous of times when I walk into places like restaurants, stores, work, etc. and everyone makes me feel like a star because they stop what they are doing to just look at me.
2. I swear I smell good
Sometimes I see people hesitant to be close to me. Do they think I bite? Do I smell? I take a shower every day, these calculations are just not adding up
3. I get a nickname
Once upon a time, I was working for this company that came up with a nickname for me. When they sent me to do work, they referred to me as "the Mexican one". For example:
Person 1: "Hey, I am sending Clyde over"
Person 2: "Oh, the Mexican one"
4. The police love me
I literally get pulled over for no reason. It's fun sometimes. One time I got pulled over for not stopping at a stop sign for three seconds. After speaking with the police officer, the officer told me to sit tight and not to move. Then, two additional squad cars pulled behind me. I ask what was the reason for that; the officer said it was for backup. I forgot my sharpie to sign autographs...I hope they weren't disappointed.
5. Are you mad at me?
There are times when customer service that is given to me sucks. The cashier is happy to see everyone, but when they see me...it's a different story.
6. You know sharpie comes off with expo marker...just saying
It is very ignorant to walk around my campus and to not be surprised to see this written on a someone's car bumper.
7. When I am walking down the street, and people risk their lives when driving just to see me...I feel honored
Sometimes it seems like I am being followed.
8. "OMG they are speaking Spanish"
As soon as I start speaking Spanish, it's like breaking the law.
As soon as I start speaking Spanish, its like breaking the law.
9. Everyone knows where I'm from!
This is a common conversation that I tend to have with strangers/customers that always like to assume.
**Having a normal conversation with a person, then...**
Person: So, do you miss Mexico?
Me: What do you mean?
Person: You are from Mexico, right?
Me: No, I was born here...in the United States.
Person: Oh.Like my mother has always told me, "you treat the janitor the same way you would treat the CEO".
No matter if someone is white, black, blue, or any other color; you should treated equal and with respect. The reason I say this is because I have experienced discrimination at its finest. It is not a good feeling, and it is something that this world needs to eliminate. The best way to prevent discrimination is to respect everyone and stick up for those who cannot.
