I went into the hair store to bit up a few things and I caught two Black girls using some of the hair products and then putting them into their bags, so I told the shop owner, who stop the girls and phone the polices. Once the police got there the two girls then preceded to play the race card against me (I’m Black) and the shop keep (who was also Black).
As the police buddled them into the car to take them to school one of the girls called me … lets just say something a little stronger then an Oreo. Should I have tried to get them pay or was I right to just tell the shop keeper?
2006-11-05 21:49:57 · 19 answers · asked by Bella 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
when you allow anyone to steal from an establishment where you shop, you are allowing them to drive up the prices that you must pay. someone has to cover the costs of shoplifting, or the store will close. and it won't be the owner, whether they're black or white -- they don't pay for that stuff. honest customers do. people like you and people like those girls' grandmothers. they should be ashamed.
futhermore, when those girls told you that you should have allowed them to get away with their actions, they were not appealing to you because of your race. they were appealing to you because they believe that you are like them. they're saying you're either a thief, or a white girl. that's racist, it's sad, and it's not even remotely true.
unfortunately, they probably aren't going to learn much of a lesson from this experience. but still -- you definitely did the right thing for yourself, and for all people of color. stealing hair product is not a form of empowerment, it's just a form of petty squabbling. if you want to make a difference, find a corporate store that was put into a poor neighborhood and is driving local businesses out -- and picket. start a boycott. there are many legitimate ways to interrupt business in a way that is effective against oppression, racism, or classism. but if you're stealing hairspray -- odds are, you just want something for nothing.
2006-11-05 22:13:09 · answer #1 · answered by unhappy max 1 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I think you did the right thing. And to Tim and Concerned Observer, it is your business, it's everyones business. How ignorant is that to say mind your own business. This may be a petty crime but how many get away with crimes because no one reports it. It may be just a hair product but how on earth can the black community thrive if we allow ourselves to rob from each other. Isn't it that sort of behaviour that holds us back? How would you like it if that shop keeper was you mother or father trying to make a living.
Bella you did the right thing and I respect you for that. Don't take what those girls said to you to heart. If they play the race card against their own then like someone previously said it's just moronic.
2006-11-06 10:02:36 · answer #2 · answered by eboni 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The police would have heard what the girls called you and may well have included it in their statements (each has have to make a note of the incident after arriving back at the statement in his notebook). If this matter comes to court then the abusive remark will be mentioned in evidence and the court will take note. It is hard to see how it could be racist as everyone concerned was Black. I think that you behaved well and responsibley throughout this episode and that it is best to let these two girls out of your life
2006-11-05 22:03:39 · answer #3 · answered by Doethineb 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You did the right thing. I'm assuming that "oreo" is the current slang for "race traitor", "wannabe", etc... Well, you're certainly NOT anything even remotely close to that. Doing the right thing doesn't mean that you're, as some people say, "siding with the white man." Doing the right thing means that you're a good and decent person. And you should be proud of yourself. And the other girls should be ashamed of themselves, not just for stealing but also for mentioning race. Race has nothing at all to do with decency, morality, etc...
2006-11-05 22:06:59 · answer #4 · answered by SINDY 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
As everyone agreed, you did the right thing. As far as the Oreo comment, why are you bothering to let it bother you? Obviously these girls are ignorant because A. they are stealing and B. they are resorting to race since they have no other way of attacking. The sheer fact that they are using the race card against you in that manner I would have to say is rascist itself- since you were honest its as if saying that honesty is only a characteristic possessed by white people. Thats quite a dis-service to everyone, isnt it now? I think they just shot themselves in the foot and you shouldn't be questioning your ethics because they aren't produced in your skin.
2006-11-05 22:06:21 · answer #5 · answered by uberzwitter67 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am appalled they played the "race card" in this situation. You witnessed an offence occurring. It was wrong, period. Why should you afford them greater privilege (ie. not turning them in) because of your race. That is ridiculous! I personally believe that not turning them in would have made you a party to the crime.
Just remember to consider the source.
Be proud you stood up for your beliefs, telling the shop keeper was absolutely the right decision. I am proud of you!
2006-11-06 02:53:10 · answer #6 · answered by Chloe M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You were right to tell someone. Thieves are one of the reasons prices go up. Honesty is the best policy and if you see someone stealing you are just as guilty if you don't notify someone. Maybe by getting them in trouble you will make them think twice about doing it again and that will keep them out of jail later in life. You did everyone a favor. Don't mind the name calling, their the ones going for a free ride that they will never want again.
2006-11-05 23:05:54 · answer #7 · answered by me_laub 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'll probably get slammed for saying this, but you should have minded your own business, and just went about with your purchases. Sometimes getting involved will get you beaten down or worse stabbed, and now these girls know your face. I'm surprised the police even showed up.
2006-11-06 06:07:29 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
You did the RIGHT thing - of course those who were caught in their crime, were not happy - but they were the ones acting despicably and illegally, not you - you and the shop owner did the right thing.
2006-11-05 22:24:15 · answer #9 · answered by me 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You did the right thing. We need more people like you. Too many people would have overlooked to "stay out of it". I don't think you could have done anymore than you did. You don't know if they were armed or they could have retaliated and done something to you.
2006-11-05 21:59:47 · answer #10 · answered by Sweetie 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋