We don’t have a “Barneys” in our area, but we do have the same mind state in some of the retail stores. I remember back to one summer mid 90’s, working overtime and doing odd jobs. I was saving up for these Polo boots, I was going to kill the club ” the 2-Step” or “Peppers”(Dance Club – Greenville,NC). I went to a store in the mall, called BRODYS. I went into the store, slowly walked to the shoe section. I stood by the Polo boots like 12 – 15 mins, the staff looked at me, but no one asked to help me or wanted to help either. The boxes were stacked on the floor,in a type display design of boxes. I cleared my throat, a few times still no help or attention. Then I saw my size, towards the bottom. I picked the box up and went to counter and checked out. Well, I walk out the store… going to the car. Mall Security and Brody’s Loss Prevention stop me ask to look in my bag. I asked for what, and they back at Brodys. I turned to see the lady from Shoe Section standing at the door. I asked what did I do, then it hit me… I paid for the my boots in a different section of the store. I showed my Brody’s sale ticket. They both looked at each other and I walked out the mall. I never went back to Brody’s or when they change to Proffits… I understand how it feel to be looked at as a thief, just because of skin tone without questions.
For every negative there is a positive…
Barneys and these other retail stores are wrong for racial profiling people, we also must for not feed into the stereo types. We all must do better!!! – Big Buji
