If Your Sentence Starts “I’m Not Racist, But…” – You’re Racist

I went to my local grocery store to pick up some essentials. The store is on the smaller side, so there’s only a single till. As I went in, I saw an elderly white woman on a verbal tirade directed at the darker-skinned cashier. For context, I am also white.

Woman: “I mean, it’s ridiculous! My granddaughter is one of the best students at her school, but she can’t find a job anywhere! And I’m not being racist, but I swear that most of the people around here are immigrants taking the jobs that high schoolers used to have. Like you. Straight off the boat and into a steady job at [Grocery Store], am I right?”

Cashier: *While clearly unimpressed.* “I’m Aboriginal. From the Gadigal people? The traditional owners of the land you’re currently standing on?”

Woman: *Clearly trying to backtrack out of embarrassment.* “Well, you might be an exception, but it’s still true. I mean, look at her—” *Pointing at me.* “—I bet she’s also noticed all of the Asians and black people taking the entry-level jobs around here.”

Me: “Well, ma’am, it would be pretty hypocritical for me to kick up a fuss about that, seeing as I’m an immigrant myself. Soooo…”

The woman spluttered for a bit and then slunk off with her tail between her racist little legs. I bought a chocolate bar for the cashier who looked just about done with the entire world.