Personal Story and Background

• Speaker's sister-in-law, Kathleen, is of mixed race (half-black, half-white) but appears white (blue eyes, lighter skin).
• They have a close familial relationship, raising their children together (cousins).
• The family is described as very multicultural.

Shopping Experience at Safeway

• Kathleen is in front of the speaker, completing a purchase with no issues.
• Speaker's daughter, age 10, notices the interaction (or lack thereof) between the checker and Kathleen versus the checker and the speaker.
• The checker did not engage in conversation with the speaker as she did with Kathleen.

Identification Request Incident

• The checker asks the speaker for two pieces of I.D. when she attempts to write a check.
• The speaker's daughter becomes visibly upset, questioning the unjust treatment.
• The speaker feels conflicted and worried about how her reaction may be perceived due to racial stereotypes (angry black woman).
• Decides to comply and provide the requested I.D.

Encounter with the Bad Check Book

• The checker searches the bad check book for the speaker's name, causing further embarrassment and humiliation.
• Speaker describes her daughter’s emotional turmoil during this situation.

Sister-in-law’s Intervention

• Kathleen intervenes by questioning the checker about the disparity in treatment.
• Kathleen asserts that the treatment is not company policy, referencing her own experience being treated differently.
• The presence of two elderly white women who witness the event adds to the gravity of the situation.

Manager’s Involvement

• The manager approaches following the incident and initiates a conversation about the issue.
• Kathleen articulates the problem explicitly, calling attention to the injustice.

Reflection on White Privilege

• Kathleen’s white privilege is recognized as she effectively addresses the situation, advocating for the speaker.
• The speaker contemplates whether her own intervention would have had the same impact due to racial dynamics.
• Emphasizes the importance of using privilege to challenge injustices and influence change positively.

Call to Action

• Encourages individuals to recognize their privilege and advocate for fairness and equity in daily interactions.
• Highlights the transformative power of standing up against discrimination and using one’s voice for others.