I had a bad day yesterday. I got a bad grade on a writing assignment. I had a jerk steal my parking spot. I was late to my 2nd class and had to sit next to the TA, who takes off her shoes in class. I should take the time to mention that she normally wears sneakers and no socks. However, all this was a pleasant day in a sunny meadow compared to what happened to me after my last class.

I experienced blatant racism. I joke about all kinds of things, so I feel I’m pretty perceptive when someone is joking. (i.e. when Dan tells me he wants to punch me in the face. I know he’s totally joking. Most of the time.)

With this girl, I was at a complete loss of words. I couldn’t even come up with a witty jab back at her or even an eloquent way of saying “eff you.” Instead, I stood there with a shocked look on my face as she walked away. The classmates standing around me immediately began swearing and saying nasty things about her, but I couldn’t speak. Looking back at it now, I’m ashamed that I didn’t stand up for myself, my husband, my family or my culture. I am mad at myself for not saying anything. I am sad that there are still people in this world who feel it is okay to judge a person by the color of their skin.

As I was silently fuming and trying to write this blog without lots of swear words, I realized something that made me happy. Something that made me forgive her.

Have you seen our president, you close-minded, shallow-hearted bigot? Yeah, that’s right. The leader of the free world isn’t your idea of perfection and I couldn’t be more proud.

Boo-yah