Are You Being Served?

I don't know how many women or girls out there have been mistaken for a salesgirl. I have my share. I didn't give much thought about it, but after more than half a dozen times some white ladies in their sixties, assume me as a sales girl, I started to wonder, is this a genuine mistake? Since then I don't answer them, "I'm not a sales girl, maam," anymore.

If I'm not out running, I've always have a Root backpack or Nike sport bag that I sling across my shoulder. I usually carry my backpack to classroom, work or to the gym. I like to carry Nike sport bag when I go out to the movies, shopping or out with friends. The bag has enough room for my journal and camera. So, when these ladies approach me asking about their bras size, or they want to return their merchandize or just simply ask me, "Are you a salesgirl?", are they so oblivious to anything other than themselves?

This morning I was at Filene's on the second floor. I was holding a couple of Jockey yoga pants in my left hand. I had a yellow rain jacket on, and the strap of the backpack kept sliding down off my shoulder. While trying to adjust my backpack I heard a woman's voice behind me.
"Are you a sales person?" I ignored the voice. The voice came closer.
"Are you a sales person?" I turned around, a tall white lady in peach silk sweater and peach pants, standing about two feet away from me . Her silver, fluffy hair matched her pearl necklace and earrings.
"Ohhh....I was going to ask you the same question, do you have a Medium size of this pants?" I held up the yoga pants in my hand.
Without a word she turned around and walked away.

I doubt that any of those ladies would read my blog, but I'm sure you are not retarded, nor you are senile. I hear you Nathan McCall when you said, Makes Me Wanna Holler.

Comments

[anasalwa]

Nectar,
I'm sorry to take this long to respond to your comment. I visited your site earlier. Very interesting.

[Nectar]

I'm curious. Did they ask you because you're not white or simply because the way you're dressed?

P/S I like your writings. I'm going to link you.

[anasalwa]

Jo,
Thankyou for dropping by. I checked out your site this afternoon. I think I've seen the man you wrote about.

[jo]

It happens to me all of the time. I often don't carry a purse and have my money and cards in my pocket. I think it is because I worked in retail for years, I always refold, put things back where they belong, pick things up off of the floor if I see them, etc. Old habits die hard.
You have a lovely site, I found you from Boston COmmon today, I;ve added you to my roll and I'll be checking in often.
Thank you.

[beth]

Yes! I like Korean food. but not as much as Thai or Vietnamese. I've only had Indonesian and Malaysian food in London, and loved it, but I think we can find some here in Montreal. If so, you can be sure I will think of you while eating, and write about the food afterwards!