John Howard Griffin's Black Like Me

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Black Like Me

With song lyrics playing in my head, I strolled into our local Wal-Mart with my mother and sister, excited to purchase a new set of headphones. For the day's attire, I'd chosen long khaki shorts, a black band logo shirt, knee-high black socks, Globe skate shoes, and my cute Pokey backpack. As I walked along, I tried not to pay attention to the fact that I was being stared at more than usual.

I found the electronics section and looked for the aisle with headphones. Then I saw them, gleaming in their plastic packaging; you have to understand, my old headphones were terrible, so I was excited. I began to scan each row, looking for the perfect set at the perfect price.

I didn't pay much attention to the employee who looked down the aisle as I decided on a small silver headset. But in the midst of grabbing my chosen prize, I noticed the same employee look down the aisle again. I froze, and thought, No way, you're overreacting. It can't be. So, headset in hand, I walked to the end of the aisle and looked over. The employee was nowhere to be seen. I shrugged and looked back down my aisle only to see her at the other end, looking at me! I was startled and quite upset, so I gave her an odd look and started walking to the other side of the section. I wanted to see what would happen, and hoped I was imagining things. There I pretended to browse, then turned around. The employee was right there! She turned quickly to fix something that wasn't out of place. I was infuriated and humiliated at how I was being treated. Not once was I asked if I needed help, but the whole time, I was spied on.

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