9. Leaving A Karen Speechless
I work in a wealthy neighborhood for a major grocery chain. Although many of our clients seem to be typical Karens, the majority are incredibly kind and wonderful. I was racking carts when I overheard a woman on the phone speaking behind me.
She remarked, “I cannot understand why they come to our country. They barely even speak our language. I’m behind someone who is probably a terrorist right now!” I see her strolling behind a young woman in a hijab with a small child in the window’s reflection.
She is following a young mother with a young child wearing a hijab, as I can see in the window’s reflection. The young lady just placed her son in a cart, and I can tell she has tears in her eyes. I’ve about had enough as I spun around. “Oi!” I exclaim as I round back to face Karen. ” That offends me to a bloody extent! I’m not or have never been a member of the IRA just because I’m Irish.
I cast my gaze on the girl as well as Karen. Both were at a loss for words, and Karen only managed to point toward the young lady. I say, “You saw that, didn’t you?!” This time I addressed the young lady.
“This woman just called me a damned terrorist! I might speak Gaelige and wear a Catholic cross! And bloody proud to be Irish, but I am not a terrorist!”
My manager then arrives to see what the commotion is all about. I retort, “This woman just called me a terrorist!” ” You saw her call me that, too, right?” I asked the young lady as I turned to face her. My manager glances at the girl and realizes what’s going on right away.
No matter who it is directed at or the reason behind it, he tells Karen that she must leave because such behavior is unacceptable in our store. Karen turns around and leaves, still unable to respond. I turn to face the young lady and say, “I’m sorry for the yelling, ma’am, but I’m proud of who I am!
Please tell one of my coworkers or me if you need anything while shopping.” The woman gives me a big smile and wheels her cart away after thanking me. My manager then remarks, “Entertainment Tonight: $0. Teaching Karen a lesson about discrimination: $0. Just seeing a young woman walk away with a grin like the Cheshire cat is priceless.”
Pexels / Andrea Piacquadio.
