In one personal experience, I was the target of bias and prejudice. I was about twenty years old when I tried to get my first apartment. The day I went to get the apartment, I was very excited about getting my own place. I had talked with the manager on the phone, and was told to bring a security deposit and one month's rent. The manager scheduled the meeting at three o'clock and I was there on time. When the manager saw that I was an African American, he told me that no apartments were available. I complained that I was told that there were three apartments open. Finally, the manager stated that the tenants do not want "you people" in the apartments and it would be best for me to go somewhere else.
This was a common practice in Mississippi, so I did not pursue a case. If I had done so, the manager would have said that my credit was not good enough or the apartments had been rented before I came. In this type of situation, the manager would have to change for the situation to be positive. The manager was racist and his attitude was negative toward African Americans. Thankfully, this does not occur in my hometown anymore. People are less prejudiced and the laws ensure equity in housing. However, this incident haunted me for years, and made me feel like less than a citizen.
You are right Tammy -prejudice becomes 'common practice', we get used to it, accept it and things don't change. I am glad to hear your hometown moved forward and that the laws in place ensure equity in housing.
ReplyDeleteCarolina
It is unfortunate that you had to experience this especially when looking for your first apartment. I am glad you noted that your hometown follows laws that are in place to ensure equity in housing now but the fact that this incident made you feel like less than a citizen is a shame that they were not following equal housing opportunity laws then.
DeleteTammie,
ReplyDeleteYes, thankfully times have changed and unjust practices such as the one you described do not occur as frequently any more due to fair housing laws. Actions and comments like those are hard to move past, especially at such a young age. Your head can grasp the concept that his world is very small and tainted with prejudice, but your heart feels something totally different.
I am not surprised that the incident remained with you for many years. The manager's actions were shameful and hurtful. It is good that attitudes and behaviors have changed in your hometown since that time.
ReplyDeleteTammy,
ReplyDeleteBefore taking this course I did not know there was/is no equity in housing, and when I read it in one of our articles I was very surprised. Maybe I am going to sound too cold, but regarding your experience, I think all the manager had to worry about was if you were able to pay for your rent and that was it.
I am glad to read things have changed in your hometown, I see it as evidence of how possible is to diminish/eradicate bias and prejudice. :)
I am so sorry that you had to experience this. I am glad that things have changed in your hometown. You made a good point that I believe still happens though. You mentioned that if you had pursued this then he would have said your credit wasn't good enough or some other excuse. I think this "hidden" discrimination happens often. Do you agree? Thanks for sharing such a personal experience.
ReplyDeleteTammy,
ReplyDeleteI really regret that you had to experience that in your life. Your post reminded me of an experience a parent once shared with me during parent teacher conference. The family was trying to rent a home. The landlord made an appointment with the family, but denied them a home once he realized the family was a different race. The experience was very hard for the mother and she was very upset as she was telling me about it. As she was telling me the story I was shocked that people could be so hurtful due to their own prejudices. Unfortunately it happens too often. I think people need to realize how our actions and words can cause others pain.
Experiences of racism are unfortunate. It must of been extremely challenging and conflicting for you to have such an experience. I enjoyed reading about your personal experience with bias and prejudice. Thank you for sharing such a personal experience.
ReplyDeleteCrystal
Hi Tammy,
ReplyDeleteI have experienced the same type of prejudical comments and additudes on my job because I am a Black male who has to give advice and instruction to other White employees. Most of the comments are behind my back but some "slip out" while we are talking. I stay focused and complete my job and just pray for them. I have found out that some people still are stuck in the past with arcaic ideas and prejudices that have been planted there a long time.