Thanks, Albion and hello! I just couldn’t figure out what Oprah was angry about. And then I read two different versions of the story online. One was that she was steered toward a less expensive bag and the other sounded like the clerk refused to show her the bag at all. Anyway, what a weird story and why bother to bring it up at all, I wonder?
Hi!
I do think it was odd that she wants to fight an American battle in Switzerland. Many black people I have met in the arts who go to Europe as expats say that being in the extreme minority has meant better treatment without stereotyping; but that may be a thing of the past now that there are so many immigrants in Europe and lots of struggles over multiculturalism and Islamism.
I can say that I found Europe very different and challenging to visit even when I could “pass” as European — they are very wary of Americans of any color, and many Americans’ behaviors have given them some reasons for that. I also cringe when I see how some Americans treat foreign Europeans who come here and have language barriers. Race is one thing. Language and culture are another thing. Customs differ from one locale to the next. How humiliated I felt when at a French home where I had stayed overnight due to an introduction from friends served me a large soup bowl full of coffee for breakfast. I did not know whether to sip it or spoon it, and the homemaker did not come to the table to show me her custom. I had to ask what to do in my poor French.
Shopping customs, tipping customs — I have made many mistakes in Europe. Hard to believe Oprah has made a study of all the various customs, given her busy schedule, and is above making a gaffe or misunderstanding.
PS
Here’s another thread about it today, in which I again go to bat for Oprah’s undeniable accomplishments that rightwing ideologues cannot seem to understand. So I agree with Oprah’s other remarks that she can’t tell if some of the icy attitudes she detects are racism or sexism, because I have experienced so much of the latter myself. I am not fond of her continuing to stir the bitterness pot; but I greatly admire what she has done in a very difficult business.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/3053749/posts