Throughout my 35 years of life, I've grown accustomed to being mistaken for any and types of Spanish/ Hispanic. I'm used to it. However, recently, the assumptions people make are bold.
Instance 1. Out at Macy's with the kids, we're checking out with - there's no other way to put it - the poor man's Tim Gunn; pleasant enough guy, albeit, a bit much. We finish, and he walks around the register to hand me my bag and, NO LIE, bowed his head and recited some sort of farewell in Spanish. π€π€ OUR ENTIRE REACTION UP UNTIL THAT POINT HAD BEEN IN ENGLISH. Lemme just reiterate, I ONLY speak English. I have no accent - save for my New York one. So... why poor man's TG would you assume 1) I'd reciprocate and 2) I'd appreciate it?
I left baffled. I seriously thought I had a mini stroke or something and my neurons got crossed. I just walked away, I didn't know what else to do. Couldn't do anything else.
Instance 2. At the self check out line in the grocery store. They recently updated. So there's an employee standing by, just in case. I was next in line as someone was finishing up and the employee was sanitizing the station. Before I even got to her, she shouts, CREDIT ONLY. NO. CASH. BACK. She said this slowly, deliberately making eye contact with only me. ππ Sorry. Do I not look like I speak English? I hadn't said anything! I was just waiting on line. So, I look at her, dumbfounded, and say, OK. Again, no obvious accent to speak of, save for the New York one. Then, this assumptuous employee mumbles under her breath. Like, CLEARLY, I'm the asshole.
So, Tumblr, in conclusion, I know I look Spanish/ Hispanic. I get it. I clearly fit the typical description. However, should we ever have an interaction, in English, you can respond or bid me farewell in English! I'll answer, I promise. Just, stop racially profiling people. All people, it makes you look stupid and a bit racist!
