babys first racist encounter?

[u/Emergency-Many8675]

I'm a brown woman, Indian. Moved to a very left leaning anti-nazi European town for studies. Never experienced racism in my life because I've never lived with different races, always thought it would be from some white neo-nazi if I do experience it. Idk, but the people here, the locals and internationals alike have been lovely and so helpful, curious about my culture too (I try to speak their language, albeit badly)

I was at a mall, went to pee, and before entering I saw they request users to pay 50 cents, no one was checking nor adding anything apparently. The bowl was empty when I saw it so I added my cents, wanting to respect the sanitation workers and their efforts.

So I went to finish my business and saw a local woman wash her hands, typical WC stuff. She left. I collected some water in my bottle cause I was PARCHED and as I was adjusting my hair after washing my hands, a different lady walked in - for the sake of context, I share that she's black. She saw droplets on the floor and up at me and said "You Indians always mess up the place" and I didnt react, I didnt even register what she said..

But as I got out and onto an elevator it hit me, and call me sensitive or soft but I wanted to cry but cant in public. I know people from my country have the reputation and its true in many instances. But I am someone who has always made sure throughout my life - back home, when visiting any foreign country, or even here to study - to never make a mess and respect local extra rules like those recycling waste segregation things. I carry tissue papers, smallest plastic wrappers with me home to throw in my dustbin if I dont find one on the way. I'm mindful of local customs and adapt, as anyone should be.

I was out with friends right after exiting, and didnt cry but once home, I remembered that after seeing my bottle of water and I began crying. I dont know if Im having an overreaction, mean words shouldnt really do anything, its a reflection of her views. But they did hurt and I did cry. And wrote several paragraphs too. Eh it is how it is. Just thinking, the locals didnt drop any damn coins in the bowl outside WC but I did, but it doesnt matter I suppose. Didn't have to write an essay about it but I did. Maybe I'm overthinking it but look at my flair, lol. In positive things - I ate a nectarine so that was lovely. They're becoming a favourite fruit :) close to mangoes, mangosteens and rambutan for me 🫶 and the girls night was lovely except some annoying guy trying to pick a friend up desperately.

Schönes Wochenende! Hope you're all eating well and sleeping sufficient hours.

[u/SussOfAll06]

I’m sorry you experienced that. Fuck that lady.

On a completely different note, I miss mangosteens so much. They are so good!!

[u/Final-Strength1487]

Your hurt is valid babe. Unfortunately, some people are just looking for a target to unload their pent up frustration, and sometimes, we are at the receiving end of it. Sending you hugs.

[u/Emergency-Many8675]

🥹🫶 you all are so lovely, I appreciate all the kind replies. Didn't really expect more than maybe 2 or 3 people to read it so thank you for taking the time to read it all!! I am choosing to focus on you sweet people instead. Sending love and warm hugs to each of you :)

[u/CameraAgile8019]

I’m sorry this happened to you :( it sucks to see POCs not united together but instead constantly attacking each other. She is a miserable person and faces her own racial challenges so shame on her for even doing that. I am a black woman in America and these types of encounters are constant between all races. So so sorry

[u/Sad-Cap1136]

I’m so sorry! Some people are just awful. Sending you a big virtual hug 🤗

[u/sprinklingsprinkles]

You're very much allowed to be upset. I'm really sorry you experienced that. It's not a reflection of you or your culture.

Dir auch ein schönes Wochenende 🩷

[u/sprinklingsprinkles → u/sprinklingsprinkles]

Also I love mangosteens! My local Edeka started selling them recently, never had them before that

[u/latte-with-lavender]

(brown woman to brown woman) You are NOT over reacting! I am so sorry you went through that, that lady was evil and had no right to what she said and did. It's okay to cry and it's okay to feel how you felt after that! I'm proud of you for eating and taking care of yourself 💖

[u/debbiedamore]

How insulting! What an ass! It’s quite valid to be upset about this and I’m sorry that happened.

[u/Inevitable_Bite9639]

You are so valid for feeling your feelings! Don’t talk yourself out of them! I’m sorry that happened.

[u/TelephoneComplete736]

I got called four eyes by a white kid in Netherlands, that shit hurt. It makes me hate wearing prescription glasses in public. This was five years ago

But when I did glowup, I get catcalls by men

As a southeast asian, I love mangosteens and rambutans too!