So I work for a retail store that also has a liquor store. I sometimes cover breaks in the liquor store. I did that today. I'm checking out a guest at the register. I see he got a shandy multi-pack. I being someone who loves the grapefruit and watermelon shandies ask this man if he has had the watermelon shandy. He said no but loves the grapefruit shandy. And then it clicks in my head what I said could be considered racist. The guy was African-American. I was just asking if he had it and that it was good. But after the transaction I felt bad because what I said could be considered racist even though that was not my intention. So GAF. Was I racist?
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Was I racist?
- Thread starter Morgoth
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Don Draper's Hat
Member
No.
Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ.
Poor GRIMES
Banned
Yes. Reflect and exile yourself immediately
Don Draper's Hat
Member
Although thinking about, having those thoughts after the fact - associating black people with watermelons - is pretty darn racist.
You ought to be ashamed!
You ought to be ashamed!
Admiral Woofington
Member
Diet racist maybe. Do you tell minorities that the Irish were persecuted too?
17 Seconds
Banned
no but you're being a little michael scott racist now
crimsondynamics
Member
If you were just commenting on the fact that you enjoy the watermelon shandy, and you would have made the same comment to any other person regardless of ethnicity, then no, you're not racist.
However, perhaps the next time you could emphasize the fact that you've tried the watermelon shandy and comment on how delicious it is to mitigate any potential misunderstandings.
Or, don't make the comment at all. Sometimes people will take small talk the wrong way.
However, perhaps the next time you could emphasize the fact that you've tried the watermelon shandy and comment on how delicious it is to mitigate any potential misunderstandings.
Or, don't make the comment at all. Sometimes people will take small talk the wrong way.
Chaos2Frozen
Member
Just assume you're racist, trying to justify it would make you look even worse =p
Big Baybee
Member
If the story in legit, then not intentionally racist. But I guarantee the guy felt some kind of way when you mentioned watermelon.
I would say I love the watermelon shandy to anyone. I did say I tried and loved it. If someone walks into the store buying a shandy pack. I would tell them,"The watermelon shandy is good. One of my favorites".
CountAntonius
Member
Etrian Oddity
Member
Most definitely
GhostWriter24
Member
Bro, you were recommending booze. You're fine.
uh oh, now you asked for it...
Rosvoja Torilla
Member
So the racists have won haven't they?
Still kind of a strange thing to worry about if the guy didn't call you out on it or something.
hydrophilic attack
Member
Once you realized that that was potentially racist you should have raced after him to explain that you absolutely didn't mean it in a racist way, that you are definitely not a racist and that you have lots of black Internet friends
ghostofsparta
Member
no that's not racist
"Hey!"
*huff-huff*
"Stay right there! I just made a thread on Gaf and I need to check something!"
You should feel ashamed of yourself how dare you? one day you suggest watermelons then the next you will be telling them they should be happy their ancestors was slaves
Also it doesn't seem like the guy took it that way you may be overreacting
Obviously the only solution
Also it doesn't seem like the guy took it that way you may be overreacting
NoblesseOblige
Banned
This rates a 2/10 on the racism'o'meter.
Honestly though it seems you didn't offend the guy and it was probably clear to him that you didn't mean any ill-will and were making a genuine inquiry you'd have made to anyone.
Honestly though it seems you didn't offend the guy and it was probably clear to him that you didn't mean any ill-will and were making a genuine inquiry you'd have made to anyone.
soundscream
Member
It wasnt because you like the flavor, but I wouldnt ask another black person unless you know them. I know if I was at the store and some random person was inquiring about my enjoyment of a watermelon flavored item, I would be very suspect about that person.
Greedings
Member
I don't think that applies here.
crimsondynamics
Member
Then I'd think nothing of it. You've got the right intentions, and that's what matters.
However, the small talk bit doesn't change. Some people just take things the wrong way. My dad went to a grocery store once to stock up on liquor, and the cashier casually asked him, "looks like you're having a party tonight", to which my dad exploded, "that's none of your business."
:/
Exactly. When I said it I wasn't thinking about the guys race at all. Just telling him this stuff damn amazing. But then after he left. I realized the guy could've taken what I said the wrong way. And that was not my intention. I would've felt awful if that was the case. I dont want to hurt anyone's feelings.
To be fair, I'm sure a lot of people probably just get used to that kind of low-key racism and don't make it a point to confront someone every time someone does something like that.
That said, I wouldn't worry about it OP. It's nice that you're taking time to reflect on how the little things we say can be misconstrued as racist due to the small everyday racial jabs some people put up with, but you can't really do anything about it now. And you at least mentioned that it's legitimately your favorite.
soundscream
Member
Not saying you were, but the guy probably thought so. It sucks, but blame racist assholes for setting up the playing field.
you made a minor faux pas
it might make you cringe if it pops into your head a few months from now. other than that i don't think it warrants reflection.
you know your own heart, friend. if it's pure and loving then don't fret too much.
davepoobond
you can't put a price on sparks
not at that moment, but when you created the thread you were
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