Racist Visitors at the Wren’s Nest — What Would You Do?
Jeri just came into the office, immediately after seeing her tour out, and announced, “That man was a real asshole!”
Now, Jeri has no shortage of sass and opinions, but to earn a label like that from her–well, that takes some doing. Naturally, Lain and I asked why. Jeri said,
“When that man came in, the first thing he said was, ‘Oh… I thought a white person was going to give us a tour. I didn’t realize black people stayed here.’ He was not happy about it, either.”
Jeri pointed out that no one lives in the museum (which comes as a surprise to many people, actually) and asked if he and his wife had a problem with her giving them the tour. They said no, but kept an odd distance throughout.
The rest of the tour was conducted under tense, truce-like conditions, though this did not stop the man from asking things like, “Why do black people hate white people?”
Jeri handles herself in situations like these with a frankness and calm I really admire. Though, to tell you the truth, I don’t think I would be able to do the same.
On the other hand, these people clearly would have been fine with lil’ ol’ (lily white) Amelia giving the tour. You have to wonder what kind of comments they would have made to Lain or me.
Anyhow, I suppose this is today’s reminder that outwardly prejudiced people exist. Do you think we can put a sign on our door that reads “No Racists Allowed”?
P.S. Ta da! This marks the first instance of cursing within our blog! Exciting times.
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Amelia Trace Lerner
Program Director
Lain Shakespeare
Executive Director
8 Comments to Racist Visitors at the Wren’s Nest — What Would You Do?
I would’ve totally thought you guys were making this up if I hadn’t seen some interviews from a few McCain/Palin rallies (just a handful of loonies obviously- not the whole mob). I thought all racists had at least been taught how to be politically correct by now- sheesh! At least they are a dying breed, right?
I think you can put whatever sign you want on your door. If you want to raise some community and media awareness, it could read “no racist assholes allowed.”
Is this comment going to be rejected because it, too contains profanity?
Normally we have a policy about swearing, Joe, but this time we felt that the quote was quite appropriate given the situation. Kind of like the whole Joel Chandler Harris was a basard conversation–
http://www.wrensnestonline.com/blog/joel-chandler-harris-was-a-bastard/
So we’ll let you slide this time.
She should have said, “You’re right – the only ones who ‘stay’ here are the GHOSTS OF WHITE PEOPLE!” and then locked him in the basement. This is what I would have done. In my mind, afterwards.
I am sorry our Jeri had to put up with that BS.
Thanks Jeri for being your usual gracious self.
Maybe wih more encounters with lovely people like Jeri they will realize what jerks they are.
Probably not.
Kill ‘em with kindness .
[...] — At the Wren’s Nest, there was a similar WTF? moment when a staffer of color began to lead a tour and a white person on that tour had a question and then a comment that has to be read to be believed. Let’s at least hope the tourist was from lower Alabama. [...]
I am finding this and commenting very late from the publish date but….
I am the Curator at the East Point Historical Society located south of you. I am white, a lot of visitors are the same (and some are overly aware of their whiteness and the lack if it in others) and I sometimes get the, “This was a nice place before they took over” remark. I guess they think that because I happen to share the same pigmentation with them that it is OK to let me know “Their feelings.” I would love for Jeri to visit and teach me how to handle that type of behavior. I too have entertained a “No racism sign.”
I am for a local museum conference, small places like the nest and our place and others that are struggling with many issues to discuss things like this as well as the other problems. I think if we all (museums and Historical Societies) get to know each other, something could be gained of a positive nature.
Wow. Never visited the Wren’s Nest but plan on doing so. Southerners (black and white) history is intertwined. If the racist public doesn’t know that they probably should crawl back under the rock from which they came.