Some people

The other evening I was in a popular discount store looking for bargains. I entered the store while yakking on the cell phone with my sister and continued the conversation until I reached the rack I wanted to delve into with all my attention. As I was ending my chat with sis I sensed a woman waiting, anticipating me hanging up. I hung up and this woman I shall refer to as "Moronette" approaches me with, "I have a question for you." As always, I'm in a time crunch and frankly, had not scheduled her nonsense into the plan. Moronette stumbles around on her words, hem haws about and finally forces out her award-winning question..."Do you think pants that fall below the knee on boys look too, um....uhhh......african americanish?" Huhhhh? I told her that no, I didn't and looked back down at my rack, thinking "whack job!". This did not deter her. Moronette wanted to discuss how the colors and style of a certain short set might "look like that" (God forbid!)

This is one of those classic situations that always catches me completely off guard. I can never find the right words or response to some people's absolute gall, ignorance, insensitivity, etc. For all she knows I'm married to an "African American" and think that the coolest outfits have stripes down the sides, hang low on the butt with hems that fall to the calf.

Incidentally, isn't "African American" meaningless for referring to one's color?? If a "white" African moves to the United States and becomes a resident or citizen, isn't he or she an "African American"? I think so! So, what a dumb way to indicate someone's race. I have recently made this distinction. Am I the first person to realize this, or possibly one of the last?

Of course, I have lots of catchy comebacks for the next time this situation pops up. But, like so many other speech-robbing occassions in my life, this one probably won't present itself again. A different one that I've never imagined will sneak attack me when I least expect it. But, the experiences are not totally without value. They help me to think about where I stand on issues and very educational about the kind of people "out there" in the world. Moronette reminds me of a quote my grandmother had on her refrigerator for many years.
"It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt." Samual Johnson

Have you ever.......?

Changed a poopy diaper with a mouth full of chocolate?

Finished your business on the potty, but stayed there and read for the peace and quiet?

Donated all your clothes so you will have an excuse to buy all new ones?

Spoken sincerely to the crazy stranger instead of ignoring him or her?

Called in sick and stayed in bed all day...in perfectly good health?

(Comment back with all of your own "Have you evers".)