Name the Racist, Awesometown, Valencia, Santa Clarita Valley

Today I witnessed a disgusting act of racism right in my backyard. It all started when I left work at a decent time and met up with RE at our newest local Indian restaurant in Valencia. I love Indian food, I love trying new restaurants in the SCV, and I was hungry. However this post will not be about the food, regardless of what I thought of it…I will probably support this business based on principal alone.

RE and I were eating, when an older caucasian man walked in. He asked to speak to the owner. Instantly, RE and I gave each other the look. The look that signifies “oh this guy is probably going to try to slang something to the business owner” so imagine our surprise when we started hearing crazytalk come from Racist Guy. He said that his wife works with a lot of Indians and they are the most dishonest people.

RE and I looked at each other like WTF? So we listened thinking maybe we were imagining things. Nope. We weren’t. The man continued saying that Indian people came here to steal jobs and businesses. He asked the owner about different class systems in India. The owner said there weren’t class systems in India. Racist guy wanted the owner to tell his family in India to stop coming to the USA.

The place is very casual fast food. You place your order at the counter, have a seat and wait. There were two men working. The one pictured was the one that was approached by the Racist. The other man had just finished his shift and was nearing the door. The three of us bonded as we didn’t know what to do to get this Racist to leave. The second owner (not pictured) told us he was very offended. He said he lived in England for 10 years and had never in his life experienced something like this.

The owner man in the red shirt kept it classy the whole time. He was polite, but obviously seemed hurt by what was being said to him. To his face! RE and I knew something needed to be done. She got up, walked to the counter, and said she needed to order something. So that was the chance for the owner man in the red shirt to say he needed to take care of a customer.

Yet, the Racist man lingered at the counter…so I turned to him and said “So…what do you have to say about Mexicans?” Those of you that know me (especially Nate can co-sign) I’m not confrontational. Whenever someone offends me, I tend to back down. In this case? Something came over me (hunger) and I spoke my mind.

I asked him who he thought he was coming into someone’s business like this and insulting them. He said that it was his 1st Amendment right to do so! As long as he’s not physically harming anyone. WTF! I did my whole “are you serious” face thinking I was being punked. Seriously, this could not be for real.

The following conversation REALLY happened. There are witnesses:

Racist Guy: If you knew who I was, you wouldn’t be talking to me like that.

Me: What? A racist?

Racist Guy: I have started many multi million dollar companies.

Me: I don’t care if you pick up trash outside, you don’t act like that. Ever.

Racist Guy: You know we went into Mexico and ruined the country.

(Followed by some gibberish about a company that was in Mexico back in the day and ruined the jobs and economy in Mexico? I didn’t get what he was saying).

Me: I don’t care. I’m over it.

Racist Guy: As a teacher you should know these things.

Me: Yeah. Thanks. I’ll be sure to use you as an example in class tomorrow of how not to act in the real world.

Then RE goes: I’M TRYING TO EAT!

And so the man left, to continue bothering business owners throughout SCV. I’m assuming this isn’t the first time he strikes. Really, he couldn’t have picked this place randomly, right? So that is why I’m sponsoring my first ever (I think) Blog Contest!

I’ve had my fair share of racist incidents within Awesometown. Really. I’ve come to expect it. So when this man started talking smack about the Mexicans, I thought he was being ridiculous and I’m not really offended. I’m more offended by his actions towards these local business owners. I suppose when you witness these acts of racism towards others, it puts everything in perspective. This idea of certain races being better than others is crazy and really outdated. I experienced that months ago and it really left a bad taste in my mouth.

The blog contest is called Name the Racist! I managed to get a few photos of him (from the back). If you know who this guy is, I would love to get a name. He can’t go around harassing local business owners like this.

He’s caucasian, older, but not like ancient. He was wearing a douchtastic Hawaiian shirt, cheap shoes, and blinded me with his pasty legs. He said his wife works in IT and he has something to do with computers as well. He also claimed to have started multiple companies.

So, can you

NAME THE RACIST?

The winner gets dinner on me!

Any restaurant of your choice within the SCV!

You know how to reach me.

XoXo

-L