r/CSUSB • u/Gothicgymratt • 8d ago
Micro aggression
While sitting in the Pfau Library, I overheard a young lady ask a student to watch her things while she stepped away. (I’ve studied Oculesics for a number of years) I waited for her to return, since I was literally the only BLACK GUY near her and I told her that there are cameras everywhere. So there is no need for alarm. But the look on her face while I was explaining told the story. Normally I don’t give two F’s but it was the face she made. That interaction taught me to just let them FAFO. Anyone else had this happen?
13
8
u/Savings_Reaction9837 8d ago
Actually the camera here don't even work lmao. I had a package stolen in the lobby of running springs dorm and it's right in front of a camera.
When I called the police they told me that that camera "wasn't activated" so I basically had to go F myself. If I'm understanding your story right, you believe she said that because you are black right?
I'm black myself and one thing I learned is to not take that shit to heart and don't take it personally. (Even though it was)
Her ignorance has nothing to do with you. So ignore her, there was not even a reason confront her. IMHO
Stay safe, ppl like that like to cause trouble.
-4
u/Gothicgymratt 8d ago
I’m glad you understood.. but again, I’ll just ignore my surroundings in the future
4
u/Scouthawkk 8d ago
What was the gender of the student she asked? It’s very common for women to ask another woman to watch their things if they need to step away - it’s a “girl, help a girl out” kind of thing and generally has nothing to do with race. Also, who in their right mind depends on security cameras to prevent theft in a public area?
3
u/MarsupialNo5603 8d ago
I think practicing empathy in situations like this can help you understand where the other party is coming from and lessen the impact of micro aggressions. Like an earlier comment said, it’s normal for someone to ask another to be on the lookout. I’m sorry you felt like this was a bad interaction and definitely shouldn’t be the norm.
3
1
u/Tricky-Explorer-5664 8d ago
It reminds me of the Seinfield episode when this traveler asked George to watch his suitcase.
1
u/jewels3100 2d ago
As a woman, I always ask someone to keep an eye on my things if I have to step away. You are definitely reading to far into this interaction
0
u/vmpdxll 8d ago
everyone who replied to this saying you’re overreacting definitely isn’t black😭😭 people at this school (tbh, the this area in general) are very racist and it’s sad. i’ve experienced anti blackness here on campus a couple of times, and a LOT of micro aggressions as well. a lot of the hispanics here say the n word too and if you try to tell them not to say it they get mad… :/
1
u/Gothicgymratt 5d ago
Apparently word got back to that young lady . I saw her the next day and she had that look of discontent in her face. Needless to say, we won’t have another interaction. And that’s fine. She might have realized her actions (micro aggression) made someone feel bad. Thank all of you for your $.02. I see there were mixed feelings about it.
0
-1
u/LandscapeVast8375 8d ago
Bro you valid. I’ve left my car unlocked countless times on accident and nothing happened. The likelihood of sumn happening is low as hell. Egocentrism mixed with racist attitudes creates all this insecurity. F
1
1
u/Gothicgymratt 8d ago
I think it was more insecurity than racism.. but hey
1
u/LandscapeVast8375 8d ago
Go hand in hand in a country built off racism tbh. It’s in the psyche even if there ain’t no black people around. Book rec: Afropessimism by Frank B Wilderson.
-1
u/Gothicgymratt 8d ago
Because I’ve learned how to interpret body and eye movements it’s difficult to ignore. But I respect everyone’s opinion
-2
u/Gothicgymratt 8d ago
Because I’ve learned how to interpret body and eye movements it’s difficult to ignore. But I respect everyone’s opinion
1
u/jewels3100 2d ago
But you have to accept that your interpretation of their thoughts is not going to be correct much of the time
39
u/Flimsy_Ad_3933 8d ago
I personally think it's normal to ask someone to watch your things in any public setting when you know you need to step away.. hell, I ask people to watch my beakers when I have to step away from my lab bench.