Experiences of a White Person Navigating Racial Discrimination in America

As someone who frequently encounters racial discrimination, I have had to confront a series of unfortunate and traumatic experiences over the years. These incidents not only highlight the persistence of racism in society but also underscore the importance of understanding and addressing such issues.

The Subway Incidents in NYC

My first encounter with overt racism happened on a crowded subway train in New York City, where I was attacked and kicked by a man who felt I was above him simply because of my race and nationality. This individual, a man who assumed I was wealthy and condescending, shoved me to the ground and shouted derogatory comments. The incident was alarming, to say the least, and left me shaken. Not only did this individual physically assault me, but I was also left feeling isolated and unsupported on the train, where bystanders did not intervene.

My second encounter with racial discrimination involved a drunk girl who verbally and physically assaulted me. She approached me, menacingly mentioning that she was about to punch me. Although I was not the intended target, her actions were chilling, and it was a deeply unsettling experience.

My most recent incident occurred on a subway platform, where a woman accused me of shoving her, when in reality, my purse had snagged hers as I was rushing to catch the train. This woman then pursued me, attempting to shove me down a flight of stairs. Fortunately, I stayed on my feet, and my husband was able to protect me as the woman verbally abused me with racial slurs and tried to continue the attack.

Experiences in Louisiana

Living in Louisiana for 17 years, I have faced various forms of discrimination away from the hustle and bustle of New York City. Upon moving here from the Pacific Northwest, I encountered a more persistent and insidious kind of racism. One of the most frustrating instances involved a lady who would deliberately slow down when she saw me in a parking lot, even stopping at a crosswalk. While this might seem minor, the pattern and frequency of such incidents started to become a cause for concern.

My experiences with customer service, particularly dealing with black women as customers, were particularly challenging. In one instance, a black employee refused to open a bank account for my daughter due to her not having a driver's license despite having a state ID. When I questioned her, she insisted that we needed to know why she didn't drive. After other attempts to resolve the issue, the bank eventually apologized but continued to refuse our business.

Another instance that stands out involved a customer service scenario where black women consistently sought reasons to have a fit, and managers would quickly intervene with gifts. When I had to call for a floor person to assist a customer, they often ignored me. Interestingly, having a black colleague call on my behalf resulted in the desired response. These small but significant incidents have made me question my desire to stay in Louisiana.

Moving Forward

Starting around 2008, the discrimination I experienced escalated, leading to a desire to find a new home where I could live without feeling like a target. The persistence of racial discrimination has made me cognizant of the broader societal issues and the need for change. Addressing these issues requires ongoing dialogues and actions from all segments of society to foster a more inclusive environment.

Through these experiences, I have come to realize the importance of speaking up and supporting policies and initiatives aimed at reducing racial discrimination. It is crucial to acknowledge and address these issues to create a more equitable and just society for everyone.