Being the target of a racial slur is deeply hurtful and dehumanizing, leaving emotional scars that can linger long after the words are spoken. An incident occurred recently in Virginia that reflects this. Reportedly, a young Black kid was shopping in a 7-Eleven store, and was allegedly called a racial slur by the manager there. When the mother heard about what happened, she confronted the manager and recorded the ensuing exchange. The video is circulating online at the moment.
In the video, the manager who has been accused of the racist incident is stood behind the 7-Eleven counter sporting a brown shirt and creme pants, as she’s stocking the shelves. “You remember him?” asks the irate mother, with her son stood next to her, out of the frame. The young boy declares, “You called me a Black mother [expletive].”
The manager feigns ignorance, repeatedly saying, “What are you talking about? I don’t know,” while shaking her head. The mother snaps, “Don’t you ever in your life say that.” which seems to escalate the situation as the 7‑Eleven employee appears both threatened and frustrated. “Excuse me? Don’t blame me for anything.” replies the manager.
“I know what you did. When parents not around. No, don’t you lie. Don’t you lie. I don’t care whose store it is.” explains the mother, shortly after the 7-Eleven employee confirms that she runs the store. “Are you threatening me?” the manager asks, as tensions rise and talk of calling the police begins. The manager then proceeds to get out her phone to record the mother. “You come to America and you lie!” yells the angry mom.
As the video continues to make the rounds, social media users took to the comments to share their reactions. On Reddit, one person penned, “I can hear this mother’s pain.” while another thoughtful Redditor added, “These are people that think they’re getting close to “where the money is” by snuggling up to racism. Yes, sadly there are those out there that will sell out their own neighbors, loved ones, friends, people that have helped them etc. for what they believe to be a taste of power. They think that if they act like racist yt people that they’ll be let into the racist yt people club, but life doesn’t work like that. Racists never “accept” them, they just milk them dry, publicly humiliate them then discard them. Every time. There are a bevy of narcissistic internet loudmouths that will learn this difficult lesson the hard way. None of this is about popularity contests, it never was. It was about people denying others’ humanity and normalizing barbarism; be that for money, for an ego stroke, politcal sway or a combo of the three. No lasting civilization can be built on or sustain itself on brainless and aimless barbarism, as we’re all starting to see in real time. [sic]”
A third commenter replied to someone asking where the incident took place, writing, “This in is in Virginia. I recognize the woman and the man next to her. I go there on my lunch breaks. It’s down the street from the Gerry Highland Government Center on Richmond highway.”
It’s unclear if police were called, but thankfully no one was hurt. Ultimately, this clip serves as a painful reminder of just how harmful and ugly racism can be in our daily lives.
