So I'm having lunch with a friend at Spaghetti Warehouse the other day. I go into the restroom. Like most bathrooms, where was grafitti on the stalls. But one word caught my eye:
Nigger.
Someone etched - with a knife or the edge of a key, I'm guessing - the word nigger in the metal wall containing the stall. I went back and mentioned it to the waiter, who apologized and said he'd take care of it. Then, a few minutes later, the manager comes over and apologizes and said they'd take care of the word, "We'll probably paint over it or something. We'll get rid of it."
Besides the obvious metaphor about "painting over" racial issues as if they're no big deal, I'm wondering why the manger didn't pick up our meal. I wasn't EXPECTING it, but it would have been nice, and would have been a nice gesture. It's not about asking for something for free, it's about hooking up a customer after a jarring experience.
Also, it reminded me that, yet again, even though this is the year 2007 and this is the 4th largest city in the United States, there are racist fools everywhere.
3 comments:
Wow. They even sent out a manager. They must've felt they've gone above and beyond.
Can't shake 'em anywhere bro. Here in what some folks call the most diverse metro area in the US, my new nextdoor neighbor moved in yesterday. I pulled up to the house just as he pulled up in his giant pick-up truck on top of those giant Tonka Toy tires and his Confederate flag license plate.
And I hate to perpetuate stereotypes, but he looked the part.
But here's the trippy thing, when he pulled up his windows were down and he was bumping Tupac!
Someone has spray painted the word Jew on a street sign in my hood.
Being the only Jewish person in Texas, I called months ago and no one has done anything about it.
I thought about changing it to say "A Jew was here"
But then they would know it was me. Great blog by the way.
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