they "come from somewhere", almost like jokes - at least the funny
ones - which always have elements of truth to them. So, I've made it a
point to be conscious of the stereotypes that precede me and folks
like me (i.e. Negroes, men, southerners, etc).
Like most performers, I have facilitated a good portion of my career
through work in service industries, namely waiting tables at
restaurants, and I've learned that a big part of human nature is self-
preservation and survival. So, we look for indicators that supposedly
predict the outcomes of our efforts, and quite often those include
race. I admit, I've been on both ends of the pistol. So, I understand
both perspectives, as ludicrous as either of them may be. However, as
that person, I now make it a point to attempt to contradict those
preconcieved notions that negetively effect me and people like me.
In Washington, DC, it's no secret the racial prejudice that limits
opportunities for black folks to do simple things, like catch cabs. In
fact, I had a Caucasian friend who recently relocated to DC from
France. We were leaving a bar, and needed to catch a cab. We had been
discussing race issues here in America, and I thought I'd use that
opportunity to illustrate my point. So, I asked him to step back from
the curb, and I would try to hail a cab. At least five passed by as I
was left standing with an exhausted arm. Then, we switched. One lift
of the hand, and we were warm and toasty inside a cab. Point proven.
Now, I assume many cab drivers pass on black folks because of the
notion that we don't tip well, live in "dangerous" neighborhoods, and/
or are dangerous/risky ourselves. However, to the contrary, I tend to
tip at least 20%, and I live in a pretty nice area, and my firm belief
on karma keeps me from intentionally harming anyone. Since, my friend
offered to pay for the cab, I offered to pay the tip, but his response
was that he'd take of everything.
The ride cost us $10.50. So, based on my tipping rule, the driver
should have recieved at least $13. However, I noticed my friend only
pulled out $11 and told the driver he could keep the change!! So I
asked why he didn't leave a tip, and his response was that he had a
rule against tipping service workers. What?!?!
The very evil the driver was trying to avoid, he ran into head on!
This is not to say that I don't stereotype folks to some degree,
because we all do, whether we admit it or not. However, it almost
always puts us on the losing end of the stick. Plainly put,
stereotypes are stupid!
