After work today, I had to get my oil changed so I had a book with me to read while I waited. I brought, "I'm Chocolate, You're Vanilla". Have I mentioned how much I LOVE this book....
Anyway, so I get out of my car and the waiting area is pretty full. I find a seat and open my book to read but get very distracted. There is an older couple waiting and they are talking with the cashier about the floods, crime and East St. Louis. I was trying not to listen but every so often, the older gentleman (if you can call him that) would say something completely racist. Things, like "those people, you know the blacks, they are causing all sorts of trouble everywhere you turn. With their guns and things, even the mayor of East St. Louis walks around with a gun." I have no idea if the mayor of East St. Louis walks around with a gun but I was shocked to hear him so blatantly talking like this in public. After all the man working on his car was black. I was embarrassed for this man. But he kept opening his mouth and sticking in his foot.
He decided to be quiet for awhile and then asked me what I was reading. I showed him the book and he looked at me and then asked are you a teacher or something? I said no that I was adopting a child and this book has relevant information for my future family. He looked at me and rolled his eyes and sighed. He then started to whisper to his wife and then pointed to the book and all I heard were the words adopt and black and then laughter. Whatever....it is the year 2008 after all.
It just goes to show you that there is a lot of ignorance in this world and you will encounter it even when you are simply getting your oil changed.
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