I wasn’t going to tell this one originally–it’s not nearly as sensational as some of my other meetings, and it has some somewhat serious racial issues; but it definitely sticks out in my mind as one of the more bizarre incidents.
“Glenda” described herself as attractive, intelligent, funny, and engaging. Â Her photos were nice; beautiful, nice body, and a great smile all added to her allure. Â She was definitely nice, and someone who seemed like she could be minimally be a friend. Â During our phone conversations, she seemed openminded, and she alleviated my reservations about going out with her. Â Until meeting her, I had never gone on a date with a black girl.
We met on campus in a public place, and we decided that we should just be casual and hang out. Â Unfortunately, it was cold out, so we went to my dorm room. Â After a brief discussion about USC, she started a diatribe about race and racial relations. Â Suddenly, she accused me and “my people” of being responsible for holding down and enslaving HER people. Â Every time I interrupted her to get a word in edgewise, she would cut me off and continue to explain how my relatives only a few generations ago brutally treated her relatives, and that I should pay for it.
Finally, I put my foot down.
“I’m of Jewish heritage–my people did NOT enslave yours. Â In fact, MY people were enslaved many years ago.”
Her response? Â ”I don’t care–you’re white–you hold us–me–down.”
I was incredulous. Â ”You don’t care? Â You’re attacking me on false grounds.” Â This back-and-forth continued for a couple minutes, before I realized that the only reason she came over in the first place was to pick a fight. Â I asked her to leave–and after a bit more yelling, she did.
Stunned does not describe how I felt after that. Â What was supposed to be a nice date turned into a waste of time.
