A black woman, Ayeesha, and Roger, a white man, are working closely together on the promotion of a new product.  While they are taking a dinner break during a long work day, Roger ventures to bring up the subject of race. He asks Ayeesha how comfortable she feels working for the mostly white company.  He wonders if she’s noticed any racism on the part of the other employees.  She hesitates and then replies, “Well, last Friday after staff meeting I heard Brian and Anita (who are both white) cracking up.  Brian was imitating the (black) voice of Kingfisher from the old Amos ‘n’ Andy show.  I found it incredibly offensive.”

Roger crunches his face in disbelief. “That wasn’t racism, Ayeesha! Brian doesn’t have anything against black people.  He’s always clowning around.  I think you’re being too sensitive.  I hear women make fun of how men talk all the time.  I don’t like that either, but I just laugh it off. ”

Questions for the reader: Why do you think Ayeesha hesitates when Roger
asks her if she's noticed racism on the part of the other employees?
What do you think of Roger's response?

View Commentary to African American Vignette #2

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