Please excuse the picture quality. I took this pic with my cell phone.
Let's rewind to yesterday. I straightened my hair for my hubby's birthday. I was very excited to see the amount of growth in just two-week's time. (I'm doing something right.) But of course, 15 minutes away from a much needed vacation, someone had to spoil my day. (No, I'm not going anywhere. Just not to work....ahhhh.)
A co-worker, who normally barely says two words to me, stated, "Your hair looks nice!"
Surprised. I replied, "Thank you".
My thank you barely had the time to make it out of my lips, before the interjection, "It looks professional like that."
Pause.
As opposed to what? My natural texture? Am I overreacting? And who are you to tell me what is professional? You are wearing a hawaiian shirt and wrinkled shorts. [At least that is what I think this non-descript person was wearing.] Who made you the authority on professionalism?
So, fifteen minutes away from my vacation, I simply walked into my office and started to pack up my stuff. I was on the brink of a serious ABW (Angry Black Woman) moment. I normally get compliments in my office on my hair [whether it is curly or straight], my clothes [which are professional, even during the business casual summer], and my shoes [always fabulous, but still working within the confines of a professional setting]. So I wasn't thrown back by the compliment. After attending a predominantly white university, I've been subject to blatant racism [cue swastikas and the "N" word written on all doors...on my first night of college] and ignorant comments [cue, terminology like "ghetto booty"]. So, by the age of 28, I'm not sensitive about race. I normally correct people and move on.
After some thought, I came to the conclusion that I wasn't overracting. This person just game me an underhanded "compliment". And by the time I got home I was fuming. Luckily, a birthday dinner with my hubby, mom, and sis calmed me down. But I'm still a little peeved.
Should I be so angry? Your thoughts?
