Okay this is not a race bait question but why do white people greet a black person different?

Question

I'm talking more about someone who works in retail. As a black person I'll be in line and the cashier or sales person will great a white person with hello, but when it's my turn they'll greet with, "what's up."
I don't take it for moret han what it is, a greeting but why the need to switch it up because of my skin.

To be clear I'm not saying it all white people. Of course I'm greeted like that by black people but they're consistent in that they're greeting everyone the same way. I'm talking more of someone who greets a person one way and another person another way

Answer 1

Actually, it is a race bait question.

I've had cashiers who didn't even say hello/hi back to me but they were friendly with the person in front or in back of me, because they shared the same skin color. It's not just white people who "do this" and "say that". Just ignore it. 95% of it is in your head anyway.

Answer 2

Im guessing that if people dont have many black friends then they are nervous. They probably have this perception in their heads of how a black person talks and how they think they would like to be greeted. They make this perception from the things they see around them (films music etc). I dont think they are trying to mark you out - more that they want to interact with you. Its like all adults talking to kids like they are babies - kids look at them gone out most of the time!! I guess when people get to know each other more, they become more comfortable and dont feel the need to go "yo, yo, whats up bruvva!" Im a white girl by the way- can you tell :) xx

Answer 3

I have seen that from time to time and when it happens, I respond: "Are you talking to me? I just don't speak that way. Do you want to start over"?

They do that to let you know they are prejudice in some way and they feel that you must be addressed that way because you are African American. It's a way that they think they are somewhat covertly, yet overtly in another way, letting you know that they are aware you're Black and this is how you will be treated, less professional but more casual [because you're Black]. To let you know that you're less respected.

Great point. I am so proud of Black people lately, just letting it rip and being totally up front and frank about all this garbage ----this nonsense that has gone on long enough without being properly addressed. It's been going on that in the past had been so covered up or not spoken about. Nice of you to bring it to the surface!

Answer 4

I consider it a good thing personally. It means less of a mock and more of an understanding that not all people are like them per say and they recognize and respect the differences. I look at it as them trying to close the gap between the races.

I'm in corporate America. I kinda wish I could use the language I am most comfortable using but I don't want to fit a stereotype. It's weird being black and professional. You got blacks thinking you are a sellout or punk because you went to school and you talk like a white person. White people all think you are there because you are black and Affirmative Action kicked in. And most try to communicate over my head with words they don't think I know to gauge my intelligence. I have never beaten with that one yet, but I do wish I could be more like who I am in my job and not who they want me to be.

So all in all, I think it is a good thing by trying to knock down barriers. Even if it is them trying to validate they are cool, they still communicate the way I do.

Answer 5

I was at the store last night and a young, white, female cashier said "Hello" and "Thank you"to the black woman in line and to the Indian man in front of me. I said to myself that she probably won't greet me at all. Guess what? She said nothing to me. All she said was "need a bag?" and then she handed me my receipt. I've had this experience a lot over the years especially by young, white girls. You see, they have been brainwashed into having subconscious white-guilt therefore they are nicer to non-whites and gay whites. They were taught that straight, white men are the oppressors in life. I look like a straight man, trust me.
So, it's either that or my other theory holds true......good-looking women are a@@wholes.

Answer 6

You are making a sweeping generalization. Not everyone does this. I am white, and I've been greeted with "What's up?" I've also been greeted with, "Hi, how are you today?"
That would be like me asking why black people say, "Yo" instead of "Hi."
Not all of them do that, but some do.

Answer 7

Well, maybe they should be commended for making an effort to greet you in a way they believe is fimiliar to you but at the same time it is as if they think black people are all gangsta and not even refined enough to say goodmorning or whatever in the appropriate situations...ignorance maybe...i don't know

Answer 8

Personally I greet everybody in about the same way. I work with a black man, who greets me with a knuckle "Dap", and trash talk. It is his way.

Answer 9

lol! I haven't noticed that, I usually always get a hello, or hi. But most people that work in customer service (like me) have to be able to converse at all levels. I do. With older individuals I say "hello, may I help you" with kids I say "what do you want?" or "can I help you?" or if they are little snot nosed brats I say "leave me alone"
If I must say "what's up?" I only say it after it has been said to me.

Answer 10

Your generalizing. I talk to everyone the same... barring fudies in which case I speak slowly and use lil words.