I need to say something.

I don’t tolerate racism.

If you say something in my presence that is racist, I will call you on it. As politely and non-embarrassing as I can (even though you should be embarrassed).

What prompted this thought tonight is my evening dinning experience. I love this little place in Akron called ‘Taste of Bangkok.’ The owners are wonderful people who have created a true gem in what really is a sucky part of town. It’s clean, the food is quick and delicious, the staff is pleasant and attentive, and the food is really inexpensive. I’ve been going there for several months now (just recently discovered it) and have become a regular.

Tonight, because I’m sick and pho is the only cure for sickness, I was sitting in ToB enjoying a steaming bowl of their beef soup (pho) when a trio of men (two older, late 40s, early 50s and one younger around my age)were seated next to me. Normally, this wouldn’t phase me, until their conversation reached a volume that I could clearly hear them and so could the owners. I don’t have any inclination to repeat the terms they referred to the owners as or repeat any of the foul conversation, but I turned to the loudest of the bunch, one of the older men, and politely told him that I didn’t appreciate his racist commentary, especially towards my friends. 

The man to whom I directed my statement to, went from 0 to rage in about a quarter of a second. He proceeded to call me a myriad of names. I signed my bill, collected my belongings, suggested that if he was so inclined, I had no problem “settling this like ladies outside”, and then proceeded towards the door.

He decided to follow me. So when the door closed, still in full view of the restaurant’s windows, I very calmly informed him that should he swing at me, I would have him arrested for assault, and if he hit me, I would have him arrested for assault and battery and then also bring a civil suit against him. 

He decided he really didn’t want to f**k with me after I explained such to him, called me a cunt, and went back inside, tail between his legs.

Now, I probably pulled a pretty dumb move. I’m not that strong, I’m not that fast, and I have no self-defense classes. Could have easily gotten myself into a very dangerous pickle. But the owners of ToB have been amazing to me. They take care of me when I’m sick. They treat my momma like royalty when I bring her in (and answer all of her really off the wall questions). They’ve become friends of mine. 

And you don’t talk shit about my friends. Ever.