I think I just experienced a little back-handed racism. Okay, maybe the "r" word is a little too strong to be used here, but they definitely weren't interested in me, and it was because I was white - or too be more precise, because I didn't speak Spanish.
Up around the corner from us, about 1/4 mile, there is a Kindgom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses. On more occasions than I believe necessary, they will come down our street and knock on our door. I explain that we are members of our local church and attend services there. It doesn't seem to stick, because they come back time and time again.
Well, today was different, I'll say that. I heard a soft knock on the door. When I answered it, there were three women there: two on the porch and one on lookout down by the curb. The leader said "We are looking for people to talk about studying the Bible, but we are looking for Spanish speakers." When she said it, she kind of looked around me, like a kid does when they come to your door looking to play with your son.
I told her I didn't speak Spanish and about 5 seconds of awkwardness set in. She didn't really have an "out" line, other than to say "thank you anyway". Ouch. Note: She spoke perfect English with almost no accent. In all reality, it helped me to get out of this quicker than it does when I explain our church membership, but it still felt a little weird.
Message received: We don't want you because of the language you speak. Gee thanks.
Up around the corner from us, about 1/4 mile, there is a Kindgom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses. On more occasions than I believe necessary, they will come down our street and knock on our door. I explain that we are members of our local church and attend services there. It doesn't seem to stick, because they come back time and time again.
Well, today was different, I'll say that. I heard a soft knock on the door. When I answered it, there were three women there: two on the porch and one on lookout down by the curb. The leader said "We are looking for people to talk about studying the Bible, but we are looking for Spanish speakers." When she said it, she kind of looked around me, like a kid does when they come to your door looking to play with your son.
I told her I didn't speak Spanish and about 5 seconds of awkwardness set in. She didn't really have an "out" line, other than to say "thank you anyway". Ouch. Note: She spoke perfect English with almost no accent. In all reality, it helped me to get out of this quicker than it does when I explain our church membership, but it still felt a little weird.
Message received: We don't want you because of the language you speak. Gee thanks.
No comments:
Post a Comment