Black is Beautiful Part I
"Beauty is how you feel inside, and it reflects in your eyes. It is not something physical."
I had just finished a session with a customer and he asked to take a look at his pictures. I was pleased to receive a lot of good feedback. The customer was happy, laughing and cheerful. I thought to myself, “awesome stuff, easy sale, at least $200 in the bag.”
Shortly after my next customer, a lady coming in to take passport pictures arrives. Her pictures were taken swiftly and while we were waiting for the pictures to get printed, a family of four walked in. I was excited because the next appointment is here and that is more money for me. The passport pictures were ready in no time and the lady that needs them is ready to pay. My manager, Rodrigue tells the family of four that I will be with them in a moment as I will be the one taking their pictures.
The mother was not very happy when she heard that. However, I was not bothered because at this point, I had grown used to this kind of reaction. A lot of people think because I am young, I am not qualified to take pictures.
Rodrigue noticed and reassured her, “Do not worry, Leo is a very good photographer and one of the best photographers the company has.” The lady, who had been clutching her purse this whole time, proceeded to speak in French. I do not speak or understand French but he does, so I quickly understood she did not want me to hear what was being said. I believe they were aware that I could not speak French but I kept smiling to make a good impression. I continued to focus on my job and thought about how much more money I would make after they had seen my amazing work.
As the woman who took passport pictures was paying she asked, “do you speak French?”, I giggled and replied, “No, I do not, at best I can count numbers which I only learned to increase my sales to customers.” She said she is sure I am an amazing person and no one deserved to be treated like that. I let out another laugh because I was quite lost. She explained further about the conversation she overheard. The passport pictures lady translated what was being said about me in French, she reported to me that the woman who just walked in did not want me to take her pictures because I am black and questioned my credentials in photography. In addition, some other racist things were said but she preferred not to repeat them. I thanked her for letting me know and gave her her pictures for free. At this point the money did not matter to me.
I was trying to be composed but needed some confirmation from Rodrigue before I did anything. I turned around and told him, I needed some help with some forms. I am pretty sure the lady, who had now stopped clutching her purse but everyone could visibly see she was unhappy, was like of course the black guy needs help with forms. I find it infuriating that somehow my skin color makes me incapable of certain skills. Rodrigue confirmed that she said some racist things but he took care of it and let her know that kind of behavior is not tolerated at this store. He also told her that I would be the one taking her pictures and if she was not comfortable with that, she was free to leave.
I can sit here and tell you, I listened to all the kind words he said to uplift my spirits but that is a big lie. Immediately he confirmed that she made...continued on Black is Beautiful Part II
The mother was not very happy when she heard that. However, I was not bothered because at this point, I had grown used to this kind of reaction. A lot of people think because I am young, I am not qualified to take pictures.
Rodrigue noticed and reassured her, “Do not worry, Leo is a very good photographer and one of the best photographers the company has.” The lady, who had been clutching her purse this whole time, proceeded to speak in French. I do not speak or understand French but he does, so I quickly understood she did not want me to hear what was being said. I believe they were aware that I could not speak French but I kept smiling to make a good impression. I continued to focus on my job and thought about how much more money I would make after they had seen my amazing work.
As the woman who took passport pictures was paying she asked, “do you speak French?”, I giggled and replied, “No, I do not, at best I can count numbers which I only learned to increase my sales to customers.” She said she is sure I am an amazing person and no one deserved to be treated like that. I let out another laugh because I was quite lost. She explained further about the conversation she overheard. The passport pictures lady translated what was being said about me in French, she reported to me that the woman who just walked in did not want me to take her pictures because I am black and questioned my credentials in photography. In addition, some other racist things were said but she preferred not to repeat them. I thanked her for letting me know and gave her her pictures for free. At this point the money did not matter to me.
I was trying to be composed but needed some confirmation from Rodrigue before I did anything. I turned around and told him, I needed some help with some forms. I am pretty sure the lady, who had now stopped clutching her purse but everyone could visibly see she was unhappy, was like of course the black guy needs help with forms. I find it infuriating that somehow my skin color makes me incapable of certain skills. Rodrigue confirmed that she said some racist things but he took care of it and let her know that kind of behavior is not tolerated at this store. He also told her that I would be the one taking her pictures and if she was not comfortable with that, she was free to leave.
I can sit here and tell you, I listened to all the kind words he said to uplift my spirits but that is a big lie. Immediately he confirmed that she made...continued on Black is Beautiful Part II
Nene —
Wow crazyyyy