I work at a nursing home as a server, also commonly known as a waitress. Ive been told so many times by close family and friends to choose another place to work, like a fast food restaurant or a retail store because black people and nursing homes is a big no. Ive been fed so many terrible stories of black employees working in senior homes. All the residents at my job are white. I guess im an extremely lucky black person because I love my job and I love the residents. Im always bombarded by compliments from the residents. A resident once pulled me aside, took hold of my hand and exclaimed how beautiful the color of my skin is. Another, gave me a serious face and told me to never ever let anybody ever degrade me for who I am. Another, told me to give a message to my mother, I was to tell my mother that she raised a lovely daughter with beautiful skin. Another, waited for me to get done waitressing and bussing tables so that she could tell me how beautiful my hair is. I can see how hurt they are that they had an extremely racist generation. Many of these seniors have been brought up with racism—their parents were racist, and their social circle had at one point embraced racism. Its was of their norm. As old as they are, they shifted that culture. Although, there is one resident there who hates me greatly. She sits with a table of five. My manager and coworkers dont know it as racism. This resident is usually always upset so they just dismiss it. The other residents around her know that its a problem with my skin color. Many times shes yelled at me and called me names. She speaks to me like Im a slave and not a server. I dont let those things bother me because im on the job. It may not bother me all that much, but it angers the residents. This afternoon I was called out of my name by her, the one who hates me. I just pushed it aside and continued to deliver desserts and clear tables. One resident just couldnt bare it any longer, he yelled at her and made it clear that I was to not be called names or treated in such a disrespectful manner, like ever again. At the moment, he became a catalyst because the others at the table agreed and nodded heads and added along. Residents from other tables began clapping. It was amazing and my heart just broke. This is already too long, but I hope you understand the message. I just wanted to share it because I think its awesome.
Posted on: Fri, 17 Oct 2014 02:42:30 +0000
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