Unnecessarily Gendering Things Will Make You Purple With Rage

This takes place in 2018. I am a man and I love the colour purple. Purple clothes for men are quite rare, so I am pleased to find a pair of bright purple sneakers in my size. I look for an employee.

Me: “Excuse me, could I try these on, please?

Employee #1: “Oh, I’m sorry, they must have been misplaced. These are women’s shoes.”

Me: “Oh, that’s okay. I really like them.”

Employee #1: “But… they are women’s shoes!”

I am allowed to try them on and I decide to take them. I figure the employee is just a one-time fool and I go on with my day.

A month or two later, I head out to get a new pair of glasses. I find a lovely purple frame. I look for an employee.

Me: “I really like this frame.”

Employee #2: “It is a superb frame. Let’s get you one in a more suitable colour.”

Me: “No, no, I like the purple one.”

I see the employee freeze and stare at me. I sigh in silence.

Employee #2: “But… this colour is from the women’s collection.”

Me: “I don’t mind. I really like purple.”

The employee helped me get my glasses but checked twice more if I didn’t want to try one of the other colours.

I can’t wait for the day that purple becomes a fashion colour for men. I could have turned away from these employees, but then I wouldn’t have my purple sneakers and glasses.