I’d like to think I am open-minded and flexible person. I get along well with different races. I have friends from different descent. Being a brown-skinned woman, I have not directly experienced any kind of racism from white people.
Not until… two to three months I think. Still not directly but I want to talk about it.
I was on the phone, about 20 m away from our house at the same time watching my older daughter playing just in front of our door. Later on, the new neighbor came out of her house, pointing her finger to Stella, and made some comments. I was livid. I ended the call as soon as I can. The momma bear inside me was ready to come out, I took a deep breath, went to her house, and rang her doorbell. Since she’s new to the neighborhood, I said, “Hi, welcome to the neighborhood! May I know your problem with my daughter?” She did it again, pointing at me then to my daughter like we did something wrong! She added, “do you own here or rent?” I was trying to compose myself but honestly, I was so ready to shout back at her. I answered her, “Excuse me? First of all, put your finger down and try to talk to me again.” She started again and pointing at me. So I interrupted her, “Put your finger down and talk again!” The third time, she talked again and tried not to use her finger but again used it. So, it looks like it is natural of her to be pointing at people. I stopped and told her. “First, to answer your question, I live and own my house. Second, the next time you have a problem with my daughter, you talk to me and not her, she’s just a kid and will not understand you. You have no right to talk to her like that at all. Lastly, do not ever point your finger at my daughter, or at me. I’m done talking and have a great evening.” I was proud of myself for standing and speaking up. I had to let my anger out after cause I was fuming. LOL.
She never made comments anymore after that. She knows I’m not going to back down with her comments. What is sad is, seriously, these people exist. We live in a friendly neighborhood. She is an older white lady and looks like alone. She could have used our help if she needed any. Her choice.
I mentioned that is a new neighbor. The previous owner was a sweet couple. When they put it up for sale, a ton of families came to view the place. Others have asked me how I liked the neighborhood and most of them that came were new families. It is sad that this older lady won the bid and I think it was because she put $10K more because it was sold for $10K more it was listed.
To realtors and sellers, this is an unsolicited advice but I hope you take time to pick and study the people who are bidding on your house/s. Pick those who come to continue the “legacy” you have left in the area you have lived. Money is enticing but it’s going to be gone sooner or later. Choosing the ones who will benefit it more will have long lasting effect for you and also the neighborhood.
Peace out.