Shooting myself in the foot

A few months ago, I was accused of being a racist because I made the following comment: "The wedding reception was uncomfortable, in my opinion, because not only did we have to drive an hour to get to the reception, but they held it in a mosque. This wasn't long after 9-11."

I had simply meant, it was uncomfortable for me (and others I overheard). First of all, I'm a Christian. Personally, I feel uncomfortable in other places of worship. Then, the media had shoved the Islamic religion down our throats as pivotal as to why the terrorists did what they did. So for me, and others I overheard, it was odd and uncomfortable. Houston has thousands of banquet halls, why this one?

Some people got really angry and accused me of being racist. I had two cab rides today. One driver was Hispanic. When I offered him a soda or a bottle of water, the poor man looked like I'd slapped him. His face was slack with shock, but he managed to let me know he'd like some water. As I handed it to him, I told him "All the skinny drivers want the water!" We had a great time riding with him, and he smiled as he saw us cuddling in the rearview mirror.

On the ride home, I discussed the various ways to say "Thank you" (in Arabic and Urdu) with the driver. We offered him a drink, too. We complimented him on the condition of the cab, and the driver said he wished he could drive us every day. When Ron made a joke about hiring him as our personal driver if we won the lotto, the driver said he hoped we'd win! "I'd like driving you!"

It wasn't until recently that I figured out why I have so much innate respect and affection for Black women. It would probably scare them to death. I really enjoy them. I admire and respect them. They have taken some very sour lemons and turned it into lovely lemonade.

When I was a toddler, my Dad had to put me in day care. The owner/manager was Black. I really liked her a lot. My memories are tinged with respect and affection.

Nearly every ride we get is from a "Minority". There are only 5 or so Caucasian drivers, and one of them is not a very good driver. On the other hand, we have a couple dozen "Favorite" Black, Hispanic, and Arabic drivers. I think it's awesome. Racist? Only if I like shooting myself in the foot.

Oh, yeah, and my husband's birth certificate says "Negro".