In light of the Trayvon Martin trial, racial profiling is currently one of the most talked about social inequalities. Some think it's ridiculous that one may be targeted by something as uncontrollable and God-given such as the color of their skin. Others say they experience it every single day or have had at least one incident throughout their lives. Have you ever been racially profiled before? Discuss your experience and your views on this issue.
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As a black female, I realize that black males are victimized more often than women, but it still happens to us. When I was on vacation, in FL, ironically about 30 min away from Sanford, FL. I had an experience that really got to me. I was at the Michael Kors store because I wanted a new wallet because I've recently purchased a new MK purse. I walked in the store. No associate greeted me which I found pecurliar because every single customer of light descent as soon as they walked in. I proceeded to walk around for about 15 min. Around this time I notice an associate tailing me with a slight distance, but I ignored it and went about my business. Ironically, that day, I had been carrying a MK purse. I picked up a wallet and began examining it and was contemplating on buying it. She finally approaches me and asks me, "Are you interested in buying that purse" and I looked at her bewildered and simply said "Excuse me?". She asks me again and I politely say, "You're sadly mistaken. This is my purse. I walked in here with it." and she says "I apologize if I'm wrong, but I don't remember you walking in here with that bag". I opened the bag and showed her that it was filled with all of my belongings. She apologizes and proceeds to ask me if I'm interested in buying the wallet I was holding and I shoved it in her face, said no, and walked out.
I've never stolen a day in my life. I've never had to want for nothing. My dad made a very hefty 6 figure salary and I grew up living in a lavish, gated suburban community, never been in trouble with the law, don't even hang around people who have been... It bothers me that even though I've never carried myself in a way that may be perceived as criminal or "ghetto" that I still am targeted as such because of the color of my skin. I honestly cried because being near ground zero of the trial was enough, but to be a victim of, arguably, the exact reason Trayvon Martin isn't here today really hurt.
So share your stories.