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Yes, because Paula and Alicia are biracial, with light complexions, they most certainly would have gotten preferential treatment and the salesclerk would have gladly sold them the expensive purse. But because Oprah does not have any visible mixed features or lightskin, she was treated like a peasant by that woman. I'm glad Oprah reported her to the media.
I don't think that means much in friggin' Switzerland. Besides, this might come as a giant shock, but people who are truly racist--who just don't like/trust black people--don't care if you're a light-skinned or dark-skinned black. Black is black and they'll apply all their prejudices to ALL black people, not just the darker-toned ones.
I think the salesperson carries some preconceived notions of American black people and sadly, probably doesn't even realize herself how deep they go. Maybe she does now.
It's the same as that black businesswoman a few years ago who was staying at a nice hotel, and while walking down the hall in her silk suit was stopped by an older white man who asked her to get him some more towels. He probably didn't consider himself a racist, either.
Is Oprah known in Europe? I think perhaps they honestly didn't. Is what they did right, no but sadly that process is fairly common.
No, Oprah is fairly unknown over here, and the saleswoman also said she did now know who that was...
Some in Europe know her name, but would not recognize her if they were talking to her in the pedestrian zone. Let's be honest, to many white people black women look very similar to each other, especially those looking ordinary.
Oprah probably got ticked right away because clerk didn't know who she was and wasn't treating her like a celebrity.they are use to being treated differently than most people.
Do you get told you can't look at merchandise in stores because it's too expensive for you? Seriously? I've NEVER been treated like that, and I'm not a celebrity--I'm just a well dressed and well groomed middle aged white lady.
Do you get told you can't look at merchandise in stores because it's too expensive for you? Seriously? I've NEVER been treated like that, and I'm not a celebrity--I'm just a well dressed and well groomed middle aged white lady.
When is the last time you asked about at $38,000 purse in Zurich? There are conflicting stories and my guess is that the snobby saleswoman saw an American and would probably treat you the same.
eta, Oprah is not queen of the world...some people do not have their entire day free to watch her shows.
When is the last time you asked about at $38,000 purse in Zurich? There are conflicting stories and my guess is that the snobby saleswoman saw an American and would probably treat you the same.
Because wealthy Americans have less money than Europeans? Have you been to Europe lately? My guess is that's a big NO. That's laughable.
If someone refused to show me an expensive item because they assumed by my appearance that I couldn't afford it, I'd be ticked off too. Is this normal for some of you? I've never been treated that way, and I'd raise h*ll if I was. That said, I'm not in the habit of buying $35K handbags either. Oprah can easily afford them--not a lot of other (even fairly affluent) women can.
I'd get 'ticked off' also ........ but the real question is ..Would I wait for an entire month to "get ticked off"?
And yes ... Oprah does have a new movie coming out.
and her Emmett Till comments (which she got a lot of heat about)
and the "apartheid" protests going on in Switzerland right now.
Because wealthy Americans have less money than Europeans? Have you been to Europe lately? My guess is that's a big NO. That's laughable.
Because they are crass and obnoxious.
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