Racism Versus Geography

(I am visiting a friend in Scotland. We have been shopping for food for my visit. I stop by the kiosk on our way out. I am Black.)

Me: “Can I get [Cigarette Brand], please?”

Cashier: “Pardon?”

Me: “[Cigarette Brand]?”

Cashier: “Sorry, I can’t understand your accent. What country are you from?”

Me: “Manchester, England.”

Cashier: “Oh.”

(She has zero issues understanding me after that. I tell my friend once I meet him outside.)

Friend: “She’s a bit like that with everyone she doesn’t know who isn’t white. Once she knows you, though, she’s fine. We’ve all complained about her, but she’s the manager’s mum or something.”

Me: “Why do you shop there if you know they employ racists?”

Friend: “Because the nearest [Supermarket #1] to this one is twenty minutes away. I’m not going to [Supermarket #2]; they’re too expensive.”

(I couldn’t argue with that, given he was a university student on a budget. Still, it was a bit shocking.)

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