Inspired by the posts on StereoHyped and CNN about ‘Shopping While Black (SWB)’, I have decided to share my experiences and open the floor to you readers [Website – Blog Envy Is The New Black].
For those not familiar with the idea of SWB, let me explain, in brief.
SWB is in the same realm as Driving While Black. When minding your own business and going about your day, someone in an enforcement or assistance role accosts you, in a way that makes it clear they suspect you are committing a crime. This is usually when they have no basis to make this assumption.
Personal experiences ‘All eyes on me?’:
I have had many, small instances of SWB over the years. Each more subtle than the last, but none-the-less irritating.
My experiences…
The earliest instance I remember was from my college days (here in the U.K. that is around 16-18 years old, prior to university). I was ignored by a shop-assistant (shall we say, while not exactly being of small build) while I was standing right in-front of her in a queue. The clerk looked right past me and summoned a (nice, but presumably rather dim) lady standing behind me.
The second distinct instance happened not too long after the first. Still in my college days, I had decided to go and do a little frivolous shopping. I had gotten my first part-time job, I had no bills (and um… I guess nothing more constructive to do with my time), so I went clothes shopping. I had my hands full which was rather a challenge. A challenge that led me to clasp my bag under my arm and put some garments over my shoulder and between my knees. With all my fumbling, it took me some time to notice a security guard was eye-balling me. This man went on to ask me ‘if I needed help’, while standing less than a foot away from me and with an accusing tone in his voice. Feeling like he was suggesting that I was up to something untoward; knowing security guards don’t offer store help (lols); and feeling uncomfortable that he had invaded my personal space; I put down my wares and left the store, too embarrassed to call him out and make a scene.
My view on this subject…
I find, as a young Black female, that the more subtle forms of racism that occur when SWB, are the most disturbing. The unnecessary side-eye; the asking you if you need help, only when you veer too near something expensive; the sense that you are not wanted/ needed as a parton of that store, etc.
I think that the more discreet instances of racism in-store are just as embarrassing, hurtful and discriminatory, as those that are more overt. Both leave you feeling guilty, when you have, in fact, done nothing wrong.
Has this happened to you?
I have shared a little something of myself and I am interested to learn more about you, the reader. I would like to open the floor and ask that you to share your stories.
-
Have you ever been accused of SWB?
-
Have you ever felt a store clerk stare or pay a little too much attention?
-
Have you ever been mistaken for store staff, when clearly in your own clothes?
-
Have you ever been flat-out ignored?
Either way, have your say.
Read Stereohyped or CNN for more.
BlogEnvyIsTheNewBlack ©. Content may not be republished without permission.
Please leave a comment and have your say. No registration or name required.
