That’s What They Think Discrimination Is?!

(It’s a slow day in my marine supply store when an older man comes in wearing a backpack. We have many signs posted saying we do not allow backpacks and other large bags into the store due to theft issues.)

Me: “We can hold onto your backpack here behind the cashier station.”

Backpack Man: *while taking off backpack* “This is the first time anybody has ever asked me to take off my backpack here.”

Me: “It’s just a policy and we do have signs posted.”

Backpack Man: “I know, but nobody has ever asked me before.”

Me: “Okay, well, I am now and I’m putting it here.” *places it in the backpack area*

(A few minutes later, I leave for lunch and forget about the guy. I’ve forgotten about backpack man and return from lunch. He shows up at my till later and buys one item of minimal value. I go through the usual cashier autopilot mode and then remember to hand him back his pack.)

Me: “All right, there you go.”

Backpack Man: “You know, I’ve been shopping here for years and nobody has ever asked me for my backpack. And just so you know! I saw four women with very large bags. If you’re going to enforce that policy you need to do it for everybody and not just discriminate against me!”

Me: “Sir, I’m not discriminating against you. And I just got back from lunch and haven’t seen those ladies. Sorry they weren’t stopped by my coworkers, but I do stop everyone.”

Backpack Man: “Well, you didn’t get their bags and you’re discriminating against me!”

Me: “I’m really not. Plus, you already gave me your backpack, so I don’t get what your problem is.”

Backpack Man: “Well, what if I didn’t give you my backpack?! Then what?!”

Me: “Then we don’t let you shop here, and I take your items away.”

Backpack Man: “That’s discrimination! YOU CAN’T DISCRIMINATE AGAINST ME LIKE THAT!”

(I’m too tired to care anymore and I just tell him he can leave now. Before he leaves, a very tall lady behind him comes up and places her items on my counter, towering over the guy, and very loudly states:)

Lady: “I want you to discriminate against me right now! And if you don’t I’ll be very angry!” *turns and glares at the man*

(The backpack guy leaves after that without any more fuss, but I’m still fuming. Thankfully, that wonderful lady came to my rescue, and before she leaves, she says:)

Lady: “Also, did he even realize who he was talking to? You’re a person of color; you know all about what discrimination is. What a dumba**.”

(Bless you, lady, for understanding my daily suffering.)