in their mouths! Obviously I don't know your co-worker but perhaps she thoughts she was being cute or even complimentary. It is good that she was open to the feedback and understood.
As a Black man, I have experienced it more times than I can count, but I will try to keep it to just three:
1. About 20 years ago, a White co-worker used to use 30 minutes of her lunchbreak to tan in the sun. She told me that she hates being pale. "You're so lucky you don't have to tan Antwon. You are born with dark skin. Too bad about that whole racism thing." It is one of the few times in my life I was speechless. She just walked off singing the Britney Spears song on the radio.
2. I've had some bosses and even co-workers reference "Antwon, you are so articulate." This one doesn't bother me as much. I haven't heard it in a long time.
3. I used to wear my hair in braids for years. My manager, who was White--asked me if I was going to keep my hair that way? I was like, maybe--why? She replied, I just worry that people will have preconceived notions about you. I was like, oh really? How so? I guess my face gave away that her comment was not well-received and she ended with. Well, the minute you open your mouth, all preconceived notions will evaporate.
So much for don't judge a book by its cover huh? 🙂
