nanila | Racism Sucks, by the Barber Institute security guard

My dad and I went to the Barber Institute, the art gallery at the University of Birmingham, a couple of weeks ago. The (self-identified) Jamaican-Black-and-Chinese security guard greeted us in a jocular manner, then later came to talk with us while we were wandering through the permanent collection. After a few minutes of the standard where-are-you-from, gosh-the-weather-is-cold stuff, he peered at us keenly and said,

"I have a story for you guys. I think you'll like it. My stepmum is white. She used to take great pride in introducing me by saying, 'This is my son.' Then she'd watch people look from me to her with puzzled frowns, and she'd say calmly, 'Is there a problem?' They'd look embarrassed and reply 'No, no, of course not.' She'd smile at them and say, 'Good.'"

My dad and I laughed sympathetically.

"I gotta tell you one more. I took my Jamaican Chinese relatives out to my local when they were visiting Birmingham and introduced them to my mates. When my uncle started talking, one of them dropped his pint and the other one stood there with his mouth open for a good few minutes. I love doing that. I love showing people how stupid racism is. All right, I'll leave you alone. You enjoy your time with your granddaughter."

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