How come when blacks shop they are always watched?

Question

When I be goin shoppin I always get watched. What is up with that? They dont be lookin at the white folks!

Answer 1

Maybe they watch you just because you're a gorgeous girl . in case you're not (no offense meant), I don't know. I don't know anyone that stupid to stare at someone if they shop just because they have a different skin color.

Answer 2

There is some sterotyping and profiling going on but there is some basis to back up the store's concerns.

In many retail businesses blacks are looked at as being without the money to buy many things so they resort to stealing/shoplifting. As I said there some basis behind it because in many large department stores a large number of people arrested for shoplifting are black. Don't get me wrong, shoplifters come in all races/backgrounds but in many cases blacks seem to be more obvious about it.

I am sure that when you go shopping your intentions are the most honorable but guilt by association comes into play.

I am not sure all of what I wrote came out exactly the way I wanted it to (and I didn't mean to insult anyone). I may do some editing later on.

Answer 3

Well if you go into stores with your mouth open speaking how you typed your question, they might be wondering where you got your education from so they can avoid sending their children there. "when I be goin" and "They don't be lookin"? If you want people to take you seriously, your diction needs to at least sound like you made it out of the first grade. To answer your question more specifically, if you are young (which im assuming bc of your language), that might be a reason they are looking at you because black ppl are not always watched when they go into a store.

Answer 4

Um, actually...
I was at a supermarket about 2 yrs ago. I was looking for something in the vitamin aisle and I couldn't find it. I kept strolling up and down the aisle looking, but it wasn't there, so I gave up and bought something else. I had one thing in my hand when I got the the cashier. I was wearing jeans and a t-shirt, no coat, not many pockets...
I paid for the one item and was leaving when this gy-normous woman cornered me ( I had noticed her watching me earlier, too) and asked me to empty my (tiny) purse. I was apalled, I almost started crying. I told her that I had never stolen anything in my life. She said she was having problems with people my age stealing. I was 33 at the time.
A few months ago, I was at a gas station with my son and he was followed and approached as well. And we are as white as they come.

Answer 5

Retailers are taught to watch black people because they all think we've done something wrong (even black cops and loss prevention specialists who are black).

Just ONE instance: I was in a 95% very upper middle class neighborhood in Chicago called Lincoln Park (near Lincoln & Clark Sts) patronizing a Tower Records. I went there because they have two whole floors of everything, even hard to find items.

I too was watched. Just like a little kid. Men peeking through isles, "faking" asking me if I needed assistance. I finally confronted them and asked them if they had experienced any losses - he said yes. I replied that, if 90% of his customers were white, it's a 90% white area, he should be watching the white customers as 90% of his theft is coming from white people.

Answer 6

That's not always true, why do many blacks think they are being looked at is the question? Some people are just rude and become suspicious because of their own inner prejudice. However, a lot of blacks look at people too & stare (white, hispanic, asian, etc....) for no reason.

Answer 7

uh, please don't get pissed.

less-wealthy people are watched, because they are likelier to steal. I am white, have lived in white places and urban places, and in white places, (Wyoming, Minnesota) when I was not well-dressed, I was watched. No one is color-blind, and black people are easy to spot.

Black security people also watch black people, by the way. I have worked retail. And the black security people really enjoy catching white shoplifters. Can't say as how I blame them. Been there, seen that.

Yeah, this is politically incorrect. And also true.

Answer 8

Maybe you're watched because you look like a thief... I can't say whether or not if I'm watched, I don't pay attention to gnats, besides in the stores where I shop the employees know me pretty well... you're watched not because you're a non-white... which I doubt.. I still believe you're an impersonator.

Answer 9

Same reason blacks had to sue a bar in Addison Texas 20 years ago when they were denied access by a white bouncer. Too bad they found out the bouncer was given strict orders by the owner NOT to let blacks in. the owner was a black Dallas Cowboy. YIKES...

Jesse Jackson said it best, when he walked across the street when black men were following him, but didn't worry when white men were walking behind him. If Jesse knows something about blacks, then it has to be the truth, lord knows he's your spokesman (self imposed of course)

Answer 10

First of all, I think you are trying to say what you think black people would say, but your "Mock Ebonics" failed miserably. The assumption is that we are all thieves. I once had a security guard in an upscale store follow me from the moment I walked through the door, until I finally stopped and confronted him. He then whispered to me that he was sorry but he was told to watch all black people who entered the store. This practice has been well-documented in television documentaries.

Answer 11

Its not always like that, but often it is and its a shame. People are racists quite frequently and they typecast all into one category. Its insanity. There are as many whites, mexicans, orientals stealing as there are blacks. Good and bad in every race. To typecast is bigotry. BUt, if I owned a business, I would be trying to keep an eye on everyone, because so many today do steal. You would too if it were your business. BUt, I agree with you about the blacks getting sterotyped even more. While they are staring at you, some white guy could be stealing them blind. No, I am not black. Jsut one that isnt in to silly racism , bigotry and silliness. If we read the Biblical account of Jesus, it doesnt appear He is lily white, huh? bronze skin, wooley hair. come on folks. what will Jesus say when you first meet him if you have a hatred of black ppl. ? I would not want to be in your shoes. Its not skin color. That noone has a choice about. Its about having character or not having it, and that can go into any color there is. If there were purpe ppl, some would be good and some bad. LEts get this down. ITs not just whites hating the blacks. I have seen as many blacks hating whites.
Its about stopping the hate, and learning to love as Jesus loved. I do apologize to you for all those that treat you as less than. Love them, forgive them. Know who you are in Christ, and dont let them affect you. Its its too bad, go to the store manager,and stop shopping there. I am a believer in this philosphy. If I cant be treated with respect, I wont shop there. and I am white. My daughter was with a black fella for awhile and she was shoked to see that this racism is as big as ever. Its never gone away, just tucked under the carpet a bit. Each of us will be held acountable for how we think, act and live. No my daughter isnt still with the man that is black. But, not cuz of that. too young and outgrew each other. He is a wonderful man and would have been welcomed into our family. But, if you hate those ppl, you will be like them.. Hate is hate, no matter what the color. Some of us have to move on and TEACH THIS to our children. Lets love, live and think like Jesus. What a perfect world we would have. We dont hate because they hate. Thats not Jesus. BUt, we dont have to put ourselves in danger by hanging around those that do hate. You are free to shop wherever you want, and I would not bother going to anyplace where this was tolerated. God bless you.