BY JEANETTE LENOIR
Last week, I stopped at one of my favorite upscale resale shops in Clinton, NY. Dawn Marie’s Treasure’s on Park Row is packed with old, new and eclectic things. I’ve spent hundreds of dollars there since calling the area home in 2008. During this time I thought I had developed some rapport with the owner and her husband. For example, when we see each other we say hello, and engage in small talk. During the holiday season, I have even brought other family members to the small store to shop.
Unfortunately, my stop-in at Dawn Marie’s Treasure’s didn’t go as expected this time. Her husband was at the register instead of Dawn. I said hello and told him I would be browsing in the back. He was busy talking to two other ladies at the register but greeted me and said, OK. As I’m browsing through the winter coats, and following the departure of the ladies, the owner’s husband walked towards me and started to engage me in conversation. He immediately started asking me about my work. I answered politely but was stand-offish because I wasn’t comfortable with his line of questioning. Not satisfied with my answers, he started asking me about my previous position as a journalist and radio talk show host. A position I had 4-years ago. Still feeling uncomfortable with his line of questioning, his tone and demeanor, I politely changed the subject by asking him how he was doing in his life. He apologized for being controversial in his prying and excused himself when the phone rang. Saved by the Bell! I thought, and kept looking through the winter coats.
As I’m shaking my head internally at the ill-mannered audacity of this man, I naturally made my way towards the other clothing rack in the back. This move to the back rack clearly caused some issue for the man who I then hear say in a rushed tone: “I have to go!” to the person on the other end of the phone call he left me to answer. I immediately thought that it was probably because I was no longer in his view. He couldn’t keep his eye on me anymore when I moved from the coat rack to the rack with blazers. My perception was formed by how quickly he got off the phone when I moved, and his tone in delivering, “I have to go!”
After all my visits to the little shop on Park Row, I was hit with a dose of reality… I am perceived as a villain simply because my skin is brown. It didn’t matter that I had become familiar with the shop owners, spent hundreds of dollars at their store, or recommended their shop to friends and family. It was blatant, painful and thought-provoking. I wasn’t just any shopper. I was a black shopper. Trying to remain dignified in this harsh reality and discovery, I maintained my composure, picked out a few items and made my way towards this man who, after getting off the phone, made sure he had both eyeballs on me the entire time I was in the back of the store.
At the register, he started asking me more of his line of controversial and personal questions. By this time, two other people walked in. I took notice that he didn’t seem concerned about their unsupervised presence in the store. They were white. And besides, he had his villain right in front of him. It was me. As he’s checking me out he started asking me about my previous job again. He was making a face like he was trying to remember some juicy tale about my personal life but couldn’t put his finger on it. I just kept giving him a look that I hoped would ward him off, but he kept attacking me with his prying. I asked him why he was peppering me with his questions and he laughed it off as if it was all just a big joke. He then started asking me about my son. He said, “How’s your son? You have a son, right? Didn’t he have some problems?” All of these questions were delivered back to back, in front of the other two customers. They were judgments disguised as questions about me, the villain, the black shopper.
I kept looking at him with dumb-founded amazement. When he stopped to take a breath after his line of questioning, I asked him if he knew my name. He didn’t. I then told him for someone who doesn’t even know my name you certainly seem to think you know a lot about me and my son. He apologized, laughed and said: “You’re right, I’m sorry. I’m being so negative. It’s just that I thought you were some kind of disgruntled person and that your son had some problems or something.”
The dismayed look that had developed on my face didn’t go unnoticed, I hoped. However, I backed it up with words that I hoped would teach him something about customer service, and the art of decency. Basically, I told him that I didn’t appreciate his line of questioning and that I take offense to his treatment of me. He gave me an insincere apology, as if I had no right to be offended. I took my items and left. I almost didn’t want to spend that $71 in the store anymore but didn’t want to make a scene, as our exchange was uncomfortable enough.
Days later, I couldn’t get the experience out of my mind. I felt so strongly about what happened to me that I felt compelled to bring it up to his wife, Dawn. I thought if I explain to Dawn—the shopkeeper I normally deal with—how her husband made me feel during my last visit, perhaps she’ll talk to him and advice him not to bombard customers with personal and inappropriate questions.
Today, I went back to the shop while I was running another errand in the same shopping strip, Park Row. I politely waited until she finished speaking with two customers, greeted her and asked if her husband told her that I was in the store last week. I purposely kept my voice low because I didn’t want to embarrass her but felt strongly that she should know about my experience. She answered, no and proceeded to listen to me. After telling her that I was very uncomfortable with the exchange she became defensive. She told me her husband was the nicest person on the planet and if he made me uncomfortable it was not meant to be so. I just took it the wrong way. …It was clear that she didn’t care about me. I was the enemy to her too. She made that clear by being condescending, dismissive and excusing her husband’s treatment of me.
I then told her in a very calm voice that I would no longer shop at her store. I made the decision on the spot because of how she handled my genuine concern about the experience with her husband. She then got angry and yelled out: “I don’t care! Get out or I’ll call the cops!” I told her I’m happy to leave her store and will never return. She then started shouting: “Trump! Trump! Trump!” That’s why we voted for Trump! Get Out!”
I turned around, still calmly, and took off my sunglasses, which I had put on as I made my way toward the exit. I told her that I was actually wearing Ivanka Trump sunglasses and that I didn’t care that she voted for Trump. I threw a rhetorical jab back at her by asking her what she thought her vote for Trump really meant?! …She simply kept yelling “Trump! Trump! Trump!” at me as I made my way out of her shop.
I wondered if she had forgotten about the two customers in her store. I wondered what she thought about me over all these years. I wondered if she ever valued me as one of her regular customers. A lot went through my mind… And then I eased into the comforting feeling that her behavior only speaks of who they are. Not me.
Only a bigoted, racist human-being—in my view—would use Trump as a synonym for the N-word. To describe that moment as shocking would be an understatement. Dawn Marie was yelling Trump at me…because I’m black. There is no other logical explanation for it.
On my drive home the only question lingering in my mind like a bitter after-taste was; Did the word “Trump” replace the N-word?
This is absolutely terrible! So sorry this happened. Could I repost this story on a local blog in Utica – Love and Rage Media? I will give credit and relink to this website of course. Many of our readers would want to know that this happened and it would help spread the coverage. Many local activists are meeting to figure out how to address this upsurge in emboldened white supremacy. https://loveandragemedia.org/
Interesting. I’m impressed you kept your cool so well under such obvious aggression on their part. It’s sad that this happened in the quaint little town just down the road, but then I am in Rome, entrenched in the quagmire known as right-wing heaven. I won’t even go to the local Y here (as a white man no less) because of the toxic jabs at our president and the ‘nasty woman’ by red-neck lunks jacked up on testosterone .
As a white person I am morally shocked … I want to express my deepest apology on behalf of the store owners… Defending a spouse is fine but when they are wrong… Grrr.. I m sorry they hurt you they should be ashamed of themselves…
Yes you were targeted because if your skin color and that is reprehensible. If it makes you feel less alone, I haven’t been into that store for years because of the way Dawn Marie treated me as a suspect, presumably because of my non-American accent or some other assumption she made about me. I had never in my life, as a white middle aged woman, been followed around a store as if I was about to steal something, until I went to that place. If anything, it have me a glimpse of what others experience due to ignorant prejudice. I hope others will join us in a boycott of a store that is run by people with deplorable values.
Dennis J Lasher Hi, originally growing up in the Mohawk Valley I am very familiar with the Park Row shopping area. It is indeed disheartening to hear about your experience with that store owner, especially since you had been a loyal customer and felt you had a repoir with them. The Clinton area, home to Hamilton College is and always has been very diverse, ALL people regardless of race, religion, handicapped, ect. have always been welcomed there. I would be willing to bet that most of the people from Clinton voted Hillary as it is traditionally a Dem based village. I should know, I lived 3 miles from there. In an answer to this article, No, Trump is not the new N word. Trump is going to be our new president. has nothing to do with racism, bigotry or how anyone should be treated as a customer in a place of business. Personally I would contact the Clinton Chamber of Commerce and share this story, I’m absolutely sure they would have a straight and honest talk with this store owner and his wife. Customers are the life blood of downtown Clinton and should be treated with respect, always. One lost customer, one post on FB = lots of lost customers.
I am so sorry for your experience. I too used to shop there and now, I most certainly won’t. As the mother of a gay son I can only imagine what would happen. It is a shame that people feel they can peel back their decency and expose their inner decay. I wish that racism, homophobic and misogynistic (just to name a few) behavior wasn’t something we needed to worry about.
I will be sharing this.
I live in Clinton and I will never step one foot in that store again. I will repeat this story to my local friends as well.
Good for you, even if Trump was not the president elect, that woman and her husband had no right into your private life and they are still bigots and racists even before Trump ran for president. I live in the area and will also not shop there. Hold your head up high and I’m proud of the way you handled the situation. Looks like Dawn was never your friend in the first place.
I am so sorry. My heart hurts to hear that my kids a re growing up in a world where I’m trying to teach them to shop small, to help support the little guy, but the little guy has forgotten the biggest thing about a small business. RESPECT. This business has forgotten, along with many other people I know, how to have respect for others. How did he know that you weren’t a person of color who voted for Trump? Instead, this person showed their inner true colors.
I am so sorry you had to experience that racist negativity, just know that some of us have learned to be accepting of all types of people. I was reared with that attitude and refused to teach it to my children. Keep your chin up .
I am sorry about their behavior, but it’s all over the place. I grew up in Clinton; left when I was 18 but still visit. Be aware that the College is not the village, or the area in general. Be also aware that the village has always been hard core GOP. Also get to know what used to be the Alexander Hamilton Inn and see what it is now.
Odd..a previous remark claims that Clinton is all democratic…would seem to me that has NOTHING to do with these racists shopkeepers…I know people who are racists of both parties…I hope the shop learns the hard way that you treat each customer as a special guest…it has nothing to do with what political party they may or may not belong to.
I’m finding this extremely hard to swallow…sounds a bit exaggerated to me. I’m black and gay and I rarely face those problems in this area. Perhaps he was legitimately interested in your line of work? Just out of curiosity, DID your son have “problems”? You seemed to skirt over that. You live in what is, for a decent-sized city, a small town…people recognize each other, people hear gossip. I get sick of people jumping right to the race card the minute you perceive a slight; it makes us all look like fools. I’ve never been in this store but I’ll be site to check it out now.
I have a hard time believing this post is actually written by a black gay person…no way. Give me a break. The questioning—the saying they would be sure to now check out the store where someone else experienced racism? Sorry, but if anything is exaggerated it is this post and the author’s identity. I think someone is writing this to add in support of the shop owner. Blinders off, folks.
I wondered the same. While I don’t agree with the way she was treated, especially someone screaming our President elect’s name at a customer as a taunt of some sort, I don’t understand why the poor service was immediately a racial slight considering she’d been a loyal customer for many years with no bad experiences prior to this one.
It sounds like whatever problems her son had were what worried the shop owners, not the color of her skin. Many automatically assuming that any issue someone has with them is based on race is what perpetuates & widdens the racial divide that had been closing. 🙁
It’s none of that shop owners or your business if her son had problems, IF he even did! Just because you perceive you live in decent town, it doesn’t mean everyone in the town is decent. I dont care that you are black and gay you are mean spirited! I’m sure you did vote for Trump with your attitude. Lots of luck when you shop in this store. If you want to patronize this store, go ahead, you belong with these kind of people! By the way, I’m white and in my 70’s.
And now I just googled you…will this be your next discrimination lawsuit?
That’s horrible! I used to live in Clinton and offer absolutely no defense for this racist behavior. When I’m up in the area I’ll make sure to NOT shop there.
Jeannette. I’m having about twelve reactions all at once to this posting. First and foremost, I am from Whitesboro. Be assured that there are many, many of us who voted for the candidate who represented diversity, kindness, and … sanity. You are not alone. I’m sure you will hear that you over-reacted to what happened initially in the store. Poo on them. Trust your instincts. Good for you for speaking up to the store owner/wife. That was brave. Finally … wow. Seriously just yelled “Trump” at you? That must have been so freaking scary. The president-elect has given his followers permission for their shadows to come out and wreck havoc. It is a very sad time for this country, and for the human race. I’m so sorry that you had to experience this. A note: the Hamilton College anti-Trump rally will be passing right in front of this store this afternoon. That oughta get her knickers in a twist. Hang in there. You are not alone.
Maybe you’re perceptions are distorted and you saw what you thought you wanted to see!
I highly doubt it! Maybe you should pay attention more!
I really dont think this is because you are black… I am white and have shopped there a few times ( when they used to carry junior and children clothing) I dont know if they still do?.. but I would bring my kids in with me while I browsed- my children would look at the books and things.. touch a toy or something as I would say ” Please dont touch everything but whatever you’ve looked at please put it back okay ” to my kids. They werent rifling through things and leaving them all over or anything but depending on who was in the store … they would be eagle eyeing you “i felt” or talking to whomever was there that they felt was worth her attention to talk to? So … I got the same feeling from them- that ” Youre in my store but touch the items that are for sale… ” kinda feel from them too. Like they think they are a “high end” boutique or something. I think its just them and he seems to have a little bit of a “high strung” personality – even though Ive never said more than a hello to him- its just his “presence” I think. Huh , I bet the will close shop today with the Hillary supporters for sure protesting… probably have their windows boarded up or standing out front cross armed! I am a Trump supporter too and am not racist and would never use the trump name towards anyone of a different race ever…. they need to be removed out of the village store spot if she/he blatantly did these things because of your skin – I think its just the own ” high end” demeanor they seem to have of themselves possibly!
*but DONT touch the items for sale ( I meant)
I will never set foot in either of their shops.
I VOTED TRUMP TOO BUT THE COLOR OF YOUR SKIN HAS NO BERING ON THE PERSON YOU ARE FORGIVE A MAN FOR BEING A ASS AND I use the term man loosely here
Oh wow, what a horrible situation. So sorry this happened to you. What a sad and scary time for our country.
I grew up in Clinton and I am appalled. My heart goes out to you and your family.
ya know, at first, i thought to myself, just maybe, in this narcissistic, bigoted, sexist, discriminatory type of World we all live in , that you were being just a little bit overly sensitive and as to no fault of your own…. You know, being in the wake, taking a defensive position from having a natural reflex due to the discrimination you have faced through your years, as many others have faced also… Now, after this election campaign, my eyes really opened… i have found that there is a certain callousness that has been happening because of many factors ( too numerous to list here ) that we face on a daily basis…. But what i did not realize until this campaign year, is under this callousness, was a festering, like an infection if you will, that was drawn to the surface to show it’s ugly head first hand…. You see, i don’t care what color you are, i never did….i was raised one way, to treat people as i would want to be treated….. As an adult, now i base it on a similar but more callous world assessment, either your an asshole or your not…. i’ll make any judgement & decisions concerning myself and the other individuals from there……after concluding your article, i am happy you trusted your ‘gut’ instinct, you know where that came from and your intuitions were right on… I enjoyed the way you handled yourself, taking the high road…. Your an inspiration for most but unfortunately your inspiration will never reach all and as for me, this state we are presently in, is extremely sad….. I hope and pray for this World we live in today…… people in general have lost their moral compass…. oh ya, and btw, not that it matters, but i am a white, middle class, not quite a senior male yet but getting there soon, person …. great read, thank you & good luck to you and to all the real Americans that look to advance the greater good of the people and not to set the clock back 100 years with their archaic thinking, hate and rhetoric ….
actually, i would like to withdraw my submission here….thank you.
This is disgusting. As a local business owner of two small companies in the same region, I’m appalled and also shocked at the idea that anyone would treat their clientele so horribly. Jeannette, my shops are not the same type of retail, but you are always welcome here, regardless. Hugs to you!
Wow…so sorry for your experience. I’m afraid Trump has brought out the worst in America. I was brought up to believe in what one does as proof of who they are, not the color of one’s skin. I am saddened by the turn things have taken.
We all need to stand up to this sad example of human behavior. Sorry wasn’t there to stand with you against such actions. Only can speak for myself to say I WILL stand up and help my fellow man.
I cannot nor should I have to apologize for the rude, racist, bigoted, ignorant, thoughtless, calloused, illiterate, cruel, stupid , immature, unkind, bird brained ,idiotic (what have I forgotten?) remarks of someone or someone’s who are Trump supporters..(or cheer leaders for the the Klu Klux Klan(whichever they might be). I have shopped in that store MANY times in the past and I too, have spent a LOT of money in this shop. ..I am a white…”Republican” who, like so many Republicans, dispised Trump’s behavior but took many other things into consideration when I (we) cast our votes. After reading your post, I will never. ever set foot in that shop again. I’m sorry you had to experience this. I’m glad I wasn’t in the store while you were being grilled. i’m usually pretty slow to anger, but had I been there..no doubt they would have been calling the Police. It probably would have taken more ‘self control’
than I currently have for me to bite my tongue and walk out without words. I don’t know how some people live with themselves.
In this story it doesn’t seem to me that the word “Trump” is being used as a synonym for the N-word. It seems more like the word “Trump” is being used instead of a term like “Heil Hitler!”
In the story the writer wasn’t being called “Trump” because she is black, the mindless zombies who voted for Trump were just expressing their glorification of Trump (and his bigotry).
And Trump supporters wonder why so many want to move to Canada!
We cannot give up and need to fight, not physically but legally, and at grass roots level. In my life, I’m 68 and very white, I do not want to go back to the America that the Trump supporters relish!
I joined a group, I will not name, due to I do not want this group targeted. Our first meeting was Friday. The couple who organized and invited anyone to their home to discuss what we can do on a grass roots level. Well don’t you know 2 male Trump supporters threatened them with guns! They called police, we met without any drama. It just makes me more resolved to do what I can at the grass roots level. The group, had so many great ideas, so it was encouraging and up lifting. I will be joking the ACLU and the SPLC.
Jeanette I am so sorry this happened to you. Especially in my hometown. The school I went to…while most of our population in my graduating class (99) was solely Caucasian… we didn’t treat ANYONE who wasn’t different. We learned culture..race….and ethnicity are things to celebrate…but the cold hard truth about it is that this a reminder to us at that racism DOES still exist way more than people believe…and it’s probably a lot closer to you than you think. All we can do as individuals is try and be more aware of what we say and what we are contributing to when we say it so we can create a society that truly no longer supports Racism. Again… I am sorry..this is not how my whole town feels…and I as well will say something on your behalf the next time I go in there. Because Dawn and her husband need to know it’s not ok..and we won’t support them treating people like they did….as well as making it a reflection of our town. I would encourage everyone else who reads this to say something as well….stand up for what you believe in..and make an effort to ensure this unacceptable behavior does NOT continue.
Good for you Jeanette! I know both the people of whom you speak and am not surprised at all!!!
i had similar experiences as well. I was carrying my child and a large bag and was walking into the mall door and the person in front of me deliberately let go of the door rather than hold it for us, another time I was in line at grocery store waiting to cash out and the girl put her closed sign up right after the customer ahead of me, I know people saw this in the isle next to me and it was quite embarrassing. At lunch the waitress on our table was slow to get us water and even served others ahead of us, I’m telling you it is hard being an Italian American.
You see, I believe people are fed up with the victim mentality displayed by folks like the previous writer. Not just black victims, the homosexuals, transgender, anyone who cries about what is perceived injustice.
Yeah, it’s easy for those who don’t experience bigotry on a regular basis, to be “fed up” with it. Imagine how it feels being the target of it?
AMEN to that…racism around every corner…bigots behind every door…some people can accept that it just might be YOU that makes people uncomfortable …not your color, you sex, your age, your heritage, or who you sleep with…she’s already sued for discrimination http://www.cnyradio.com/2013/12/24/former-wibx-reporter-files-discrimination-suit/ …. and why is nobody asking that the store owners get a chance to respond? Or is it ok for this woman to just tell her story without any proof other than her word…and the store owners will lose business based on a non verified story. ???
I am so sorry you were treated so badly at Dawn Marie Treasures. I’m sorry too, that your feelings and perceptions were not validated after being treated like a second class citizen. This is inexcusable and disturbing. I’ve been in this shop many times before, also. I have felt that the husband has been nosy at times, toward my sister and myself. As for yelling ” Trump”, that is totally absurd for the owner to say that and so low that it’s embarrassing she should invoke the name of the president elect that way.
If this is in any way true, I will not shop there again myself, and I plan on bringing this up to the owner. The color of a person’s skin should not make a bit of difference- it’s the character of a person that counts. And how awful for a local, independent shop keeper to behave in such a way- both the husband and wife. I don’t believe for a moment that our newly elected president is a bigot, racist or unfair. On behalf of honest, decent, fair and unbiased Americans, accept an apology that is sincere and true.
Sorry, sorry to think that someone in Clinton would act in such a boorish fashion. It is beyond bad taste. Skin color or religion don’t define a person.
I hope that others in our hometown not only have better manners as well as more acceptance of our neighbors.
I will NEVER shop there again after reading this. I will forward this story gladly. I will not patronize any business that would treat any person this way .
This is most disturbing. Shame on both of them!
What a horrible experience. Had I been there I would have walked out with you – arm-in-arm.
So sorry you gave them so much business and I’m glad you wrote this article. Since trumpo the dumpo won I’ve experienced rude racists also and I’m white. I purposely talk about this at the doctors office with people who say rude things about President Obama. They think their so right about how the whole world feels about trumpo. I feel like I’m wasting my breath because they are so ruthless and quick to correct everything I say. I then end it with we will see what happens won’t we? God Bless you be happy and don’t let it bother you. Say Karma Karma Karma!!!
Hi, I just wanted to let you know that I called and spoke with the owner today. Although he denied this occurred in the way it was reported,I made it clear that he should know if this happened or happens it would be completely unacceptable to me, A White woman. I am a native of Rome New York now living in Massachusetts. I wanted him to know that this behavior is intolerable, offensive and that other white people will feel exactly the way that I do. He seemed to understand that in fact he is a business owner and that this could affect future business. I reminded him that this kind of behavior would certainly be unAmerican regardless of who our president is. He heard me out and said that he understood and I asked that he pass this along to his wife.
This incident is horrible! To say the least. I’m appalled at how the shop owners treated such a good customer, especially in front of other customers! They obviously feel justified in their bigotry. I’ve known Clinton to be an extremely red-lining, prejudice community for years, but it’s obvious that our President elect’s bigotry has given his followers an unwritten go ahead for such behavior.
This is such a sad story. That woman is a disgrace to all who voted for Trump. People like her are the reason we have racial divide in our country. I’m so sorry you had this terrible experience. I hope many people read your story & show their support of you by going to her store & letting her know she was very wrong & out of line. Although it is not very nice to say, but it would serve her right if she loses a lot of business.
Dear Jeanette,
I am sorry you have been victimized. I was so worried that this would happen. It’s like electing Trump somehow gives racists permission to be actively racist; bigots to be openly bigoted; haters to hate. I live in Colorado now, but I used to live near and know people in Clinton. I thought Clintonites had more class. If it gives you any comfort, I am wearing my safety pin with pride, andI would come to your aid in a heartbeat. Let’s just see what we can do to stop Trump and make America America again. Stay angry!!
I am so sorry you got treated like this! This shouldn’t happen to anybody, anywhere. There’s so many obnoxious, rude people in the Utica area. And now Trump is their mascot. Their justification for all their dark selfcenteredness.
I also want to let you know that while I totally agree with you about the race factor if your encounter, this lady’s attitude isn’t limited to just being dished out on non-whites. I’m white and reasonably well to do. I happened to stop in there one day in a pretty rumpled state. I wanted retail therapy. She treated me like I was a nuisance in her shop, not greeting me and watching my every move. I left shortly after, shaking my head and giving her an identical dirty look.
Some people are just a-holes and they’ll take any chance to show it. She’s clearly a racist a-hole, but don’t let these irrelevant jerks get you down. People like them don’t even like themselves.
So…in other words, they treated you basically the same way and you are white…but they are racist? You make no sense and put your pin on your shirt in case your diapers fall off…
Apparently many people have forgotten that in America a person is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and that it is the accuser who is required to prove their claim. The accused doesn’t have to prove anything. That’s how our system of Justice is set up and rightfully so. Perhaps all of the shocked, outraged people should take a closer look at the accuser instead of endlessly believing everything whatever they read. I don’t know these people at all, I’ve never been to their shop nor am I likely to; it’s a bit distant . I do know business, however. As I read this piece I thought “Any business owner behaving in such a revolting way would have to be insane! No one would or should tolerate this kind of behavior. That’s the quickest way to go bankrupt and run out of town that I can think of.” When I got towards the end of this article I laughed at how absurd the whole thing was. The writer really over did it. The name rang a distant bell, though, so I phoned a colleague who started to read something to me and the penny dropped. Before anyone makes a decision about this allegation they should look at the accuser.
Ahhhh finally ….
Robert, that is a valid point. Anyone can make up a lie. I do not know the author, but do not find any part of what she wrote incredible, absurd, or over the top. This stuff actually DOES happen, whether you choose to believe it or not.
Amen…I agree…
So sorry Jeanette, it makes me sick to my stomach the way they treated you! I’m sure President Elect Trump would be disgusted as well! Everyone deserves to be treated with courtesy and respect. Thanks for sharing and I won’t be shopping at their store either.
I too remember her from the radio. I was always impressed with who negative she was whatever the subject. After a while I would just turn the radio off when I heard that she was on it. Then a miracle happened and she was relieved of her duties and they finally got someone who were not always playing the victim. And so I see she is still doing that. Until I read her latest complaint I had no idea what her skin color or nationality was so my dislike was only based on her negative attitude about everything. Apparently I am not the only one who saw through her.
No…I’m sure there are many others who feel the way you do, unfortunately. However, there are MANY more, Miss Sandy Snow, who see through the hate and will NOT TOLERATE behavior from those who mistreat or degrade other people- whether they be black, brown, white, yellow, gay, straight, female, male, transgendered, Christian, Buddhist, Muslim, or any other religion. Our community will not tolerate this behavior. Try yourself to be a kind person to all.
It’s sad to know that the woman who owns this business is calling your experience into question and calling you a liar on her facebook page. The rest of the community believes you, though, and I’m so sad to know this exists so close to home. 🙁
UNBELIEVABLE. I compliment your composure and dignity Jeannette. Well written, well said…… and most importantly, a poignant and sad indication of where this country is now headed.
I go into Dawn Marie’s store often. I have never been made to feel out of place. PERHAPS you only thought that this man was looking at you in some odd way. I must say that I have never been made to feel uncomfortable in either owners presence. PERHAPS if you came to me and spoke about my husband in a way that was completely off with everyone else’s view– maybe I would have asked you to leave also. Just for spending money in their business does not mean YOU ccan’t make a mistake. I am glad Dawn Marie’s boutique is in Clinton and Rome and will continue to shop there. Sounds like you have a problem with this man– not the other way around. I REALLY TRULY THINK IN THIS CASE– YOU WERE IN THE WRONG. Sorry this is AMERICA, and I am entitled to my opinion.you can have yours also. Many people of color shop in Clinton, a lot from the College and if the owners were against people of color– I’m sure they would not have the business that they have.
Jayne Day,
Ummmmm, who ARE you to come on here and invalidate this person’s experience? You’re basically saying that because you don’t THINK it could have happened, it must NOT have happened. How convenient for you to be able to live your life in a little bubble of ignorance. Ignorance = Bliss. Yes, we are all entitled to our opinions, and that is mine.
What a crushing and dehumanizing experience for Jeanette. I have no desire to ever go in that shop.
That was the action of 2 people who happen to own a store and don’t seem to value all their customers as they should. Just because she yells Trump still does not reflect that all Trump voters feel the same as these weirdos. If we’re going to start using stories like this to represent all Trump supporters then I guess the 2 black guys seen beating the shit out of a white Trump voter represents all black people that didn’t vote for Trump! I guess because I voted for Trump I should go around thinking all black people are violent? Let’s face it, people are people and they do what’s in their soul not who they elected!
Charmayne Jayne,
I did not see where in any way the author claimed that all Trump supporters are represented by the store owner’s racist views. In fact, she states otherwise. Read it again, and stop making inferences that aren’t there.
Amen…I agree…
I don’t know anyone (and I know a-lot of people) who would do that to you. Don’t think that Trump is the new N word, it is not. That would be a blatent disrespect of Trump by them. Those people are just ignorant people who have a twisted view of life. I consider myself a very conservative and this is NOT what the Trump movement was about.
It is sad that you endured that behavior from those people. You didn’t deserve it and you handled it with dignity. I applaud you for the way you handled it.
Please know that there are jerks in all walks of life. They come in all shapes, sizes, colors, religions, sexual orientations, and political affiliations, etc. It is just bad behavior and it needs to be called out.
Yes, there is racism in America. But it is not as rampant as some would suppose. You sound like someone who is well adjusted and fair minded. I am sure you have endured that type of treatment before, and unfortunately you may endure it again. Please know that it is a very few who do this. Be well.
Hi haters! White person here. Just want to point out to all you morons who keep saying “why don’t you sue again, since that’s what you did “last time” you cried discrimination!” Guess what, geniuses. She’s been discriminated against more than once! You think her employer was the first or last? Are you surprised? Are you angry she stood up for herself?? It’s ILLEGAL. And I bet that if somebody did something blatantly illegal that deprived you of your income you’d cry “foul play” too and call on the first TV lawyer ad that popped up.
Hypocrites.
PS Jayzak or whatever – it’s “presidency”. For crying out loud, read a book.
Sorry you had to go through that. I’ve had numerous instances of situations like that. Yes she was substituting trump for nigger, u will always be less than in their eyes. Word will get around. I would expound more on this but it’s late, almost 2:45am….once again.. Sorry…
It would be a lie to say I’m surprised or shocked by the revelation of this story. Not only have I worked in this area but my hometown is closely associated with it, as I live in West Winfield NY. Unfortunately as a black man I am seeing a lot of relationship changes due to the election of Donald Trump, a man they feel represents the true essence of who people are deep down inside. “Trump” could very well be a synonym for N word. But no matter what word is used I know that truth, honesty and conviction will prevail in the future we are now forced relive.
What a horrible experience. Sorry there are so many ignorant people. Sending you love ❤️
Isn’t it true you also filed a lawsuit against your old employer (the radio station) for racism as well?
This article is full of the craziest delusions I’ve ever heard. The author needs medication.
Rob, I want to respond your extremely unintelligent remark, but I’m really at a loss of what to say that would possibly make it’s way through that immensely dense skull of yours. Delusions? She’s describing an experience. One that happened, to HER. In what way is this delusional?
Thank you for writing this article.. it has opened the eyes of many in this area. People are of the mind that it can’t happen here…ignorance is their bliss. I for one am glad to see it shattered. I hope this article goes even further than it has. Between FaceBook and word of mouth I would love for her “thousands of loyal customers” to see she and her husband for the people they really are.
as an addition to my prior comment… Yesterday I had “words” with the woman owner on FB..since then.. I have been either “banned” from her business page (now understand SHE placed a very PUBLIC retort out there for anyone to read and comment to) or the page has been taken down. I was extremely polite… but supportive of the author of the article. MANY people voiced negative remarks about Dawn Perta, her attitude, her comments.. her refusal to answer questions and constant refrain of how the author is a great fiction writer. ALSO it was brought up that on her personal FB page there were MANY racist bigoted hateful remarks regarding the President and First Lady. When it was pointed out… her FB page was altered so that there were no longer ANY comments prior to I believe Sept. 2015. Do I believe this happened…yes… Do I care that the author may have sued someone in the past? No… people sue all the time.. and I am sure there was just cause. As to questions about her son, she shopped there for eight years.. Dawn herself commented on how she heard all the time about the writers “troubles, job.. family”. So why all of a sudden is her son so much more interesting than the day before? No matter who was elected there was bound to be unhappy people. But unhappy and aggravated racism, bigotry, physical and verbal attacks is a “whole ‘nother ball game.” Good people voted for Clinton, good people voted for Trump.. I refuse to lump anyone into the cereal bowl of fruit loops that I place these two store owners in with.
I don’t know what has happened to our country Jeanette. Trump has taken it back to a horrible time with his words and actions. I am so appalled that the shopkeeper and spouse would even think to say and act the way they did. To blatantly disrespect you was so totally out of bounds, saying I’m sorry you were treated in that way just doesn’t convey my feeling of horror! This is the reason Hillary Clinton called Trump supporters deplorable, not meaning every single person, but the people who believed every word that Trump said, all the deplorable things and actions that he showed, giving his supporters a pass to become his clones. He cannot backtrack on that now to make people act respectful again. He achieved his goal of dividing our country into Good and Bad. I pray that your story will be the beginning of a wake up call for human beings to step back and remember that life is not hate and prejudice. Peace and love can be accomplished with compassion for each other! We love you and your wonderful son, our grandson!!
Oh– I forgot, who really cares that you own IVANKA TRUMP SUNGLASSES? I WAS WONDERING WHAT THAT HAD TO DO WITH YOUR COMPLAINT.
Omg! Those store owners are SHAMEFUL for treating a fantastic and supportive customer thar way and they need a SWIFT lesson in INTEGRITY, COMPASSION, ETHICS, and above all to step down off of that make believe PEDESTAL they believe their on! I hAve shopped there in the past and I’ll not shop there ever again knowing what kind of evil manages that place. I hope they learn their lesson, shops like that can go out of business and not be missed ONE BIT, and are only an embarrassment to the persona of small family owned businesses !
The hatred by liberals is just amazing. When the lection is over instead of unifying th media just keeps throwing gas on the fire. 1/2 of the United States voted for trump and get over it he won the electoral college over the most CORRUPT person ever to run for the Presedentcy. Focus your anger on the democrats and how they handled Bernie. A shame that so many people can accept very low moral standards and keep mouthing off. What have the democrat’s done in the inner cities for the past 50 years but they blame someone else. Flint Michigan is and has been a democratic city and what did they do to the people and water. Gosh Damm unbelievable when some person writes an very offensive article like this. I am a registered Democrat and totally embarrassed by the DNC behavior. Soon to be independent party.
Jayzak,
I tried my best to make my way through your jumbled rambling remarks, and what I am left with is the following:
1. You are angry
2. You want people to stop complaining that Trump won
3. You think Democrats suck
4. Your comments have absolutely ZERO to do with this article, which was about a woman’s personal experience with racism.
Disturbed
I just want to apologize to you for that horrible experience. If I ever shopped there I would quit now.
Holy crap! I know this store. I will give them a piece of my mind when I go and tell them I’ll no longer shop there.
So very, very, sorry to hear of your terrible experience in Clinton and even more sorry that it happened in our area. If nothing else the results of this election has brought legitimacy and strength to all of the previously shy racists and bigots throughout our Great Nation. Their pent up hatred from having a Black President now has a rallying point in the person of whom I will not speak, that will soon become our President. I’ve known all along that this existed but now it has been legitimized and will probably get much worse once he gets his entire ethnic cleansing army together. You have my sincere apology for the behavior of these hatfull human beings.
Why don’t you sue them? Because that seems to be the only play you have. This article is as dumb. I’m not saying that because you’re black, I’m saying it because you’re stupid.
Leeroy,
We are all entitled to our opinions, so here’s mine: I think that your comments are unproductive, unsubstantiated, and just plain rude. I think you should work on trying a LOT harder to become a productive and decent human being.
“Leeroy Jenkins” is the fakest name someone can hide behind. I used to be an online gamer..played World of Warcraft. Do a search on the name…. obviously many of the people commenting negatively haven’t got the guts to do so by using their real names. Cowards love to criticize!
I remember, leaving my attorney’s office, all dressed up, and driving one hour in rush hour traffic. I decided to stop at Roberto’s restaurant, in West Bloomfield, MI, to use the rest room. No one was in the restaurant, as it is more of a breakfast place, but the owner stopped me, and asked me where I was going; I told him, to the restroom. His answer surprised me, “No.” No? I questioned? He tried to suggest that if I wasn’t going to order food, that I couldn’t use the restroom. 1. He didn’t know if I would order food, after using the restroom. 2. I was going to order food, but decided to tell everyone of my experience there, instead. I left; used the restroom at the gas station, next store, bought nothing, and no one looked at me as if I had just “used them” for their bathroom. I am a white woman, dressed up, and on the receiving end of prejudice, from the Mexican owner. I have Mexican friends, black friends, Muslim friends, gay friends, and now I knew what it felt like to be discriminated against. I’m sorry that you had to experience this. Yes, Trump is a dirty word, in my mind, he has brought about hate. Those other shoppers, may not have been impressed by the shop owner’s actions, and may have passed this story along; word of mouth goes a long way, and I would have told others, how a customer was treated, and why. I’m sorry you went through this.
1
Grow up boy
Just because you had this one isolated incident should not bring you to the conclusion that Trump is the new N word, you should not allow their ignorance to make you come to that conclusion. I would not shop there any more either that’s their consequence for treating you badly, but this is where I believe that if people would just realized that there are freakin idiots in the world and because of your reading on how you were treated should not label our President Elec Trump a racist. Those people have no clue and I would leave it as such. It stops with you.
Loriann,
I think you are missing the entire point. Nowhere did the author call Trump a racist, not that she would necessarily be wrong if she had. What she is saying, I believe, is that the people in this country who harbor racist views but never felt free or safe enough to openly express them, have now become empowered into openly voicing their bigotry. Whether Trump meant to or not, he made a LOT of racially divisive remarks during his campaign process. The bigots of our country have taken this to heart and are coming out of the woodwork. They now feel that it is OK to be openly hateful towards anyone with brown skin or of a non-Christian religion, as well as towards women, or anyone considered a “liberal”. If you read the article a little more carefully, you will see that the people she encountered in the store were yelling “Trump, Trump, Trump” at her, INSTEAD of coming right out with the “N” word. Hence, her question at the end, “Is Trump the new N word?”. Open your eyes. Try to put yourself in another’s shoes.
After reading the article , I wondered why after shopping at the store since 2008, and establishing a rapport , the man in question chose that moment to make her feel as though she was being watched. In the past eight years he did not? The TRUMP thing, if true, is ridicules. I have never in my life been ashamed of who I voted for., this is a democracy people. People for centuries have been trying to leave there countries to COME TO THE USA. Get it ????? No one wants to leave, and guess what.. they can if they want. Millions have died defending the rights we have in thus amazing country. We don’t have bloody coups , we have civilized elections.
Did the democratic campaign successfully turn Donald Trump and people who voted for him into racists?.. really.
I remember , in my younger days walking into a higher end store , and maybe due to my own insecurities felt I was being watched. Get over yourself ! Move on!
Cut the crap!
http://www.cnyradio.com/2013/12/24/former-wibx-reporter-files-discrimination-suit/
I feel racism will always be and has always been….it’s just that the election of Trump has given a voice to certain people who choose to abuse what they don’t understand or believe.
I will never set foot in there again.
Why is everyone blaming Mr. Trump? Why does everyone have to turn this in to a political thing!! Yes Dawn repeated his name several times to you so that shows you how ignorant she is. Don’t drag the guy into this!!! Sorry for your experience it doesn’t seem very pleasant but the people commenting are just using this to make a political statement and are as ignorant as Dawn was.
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I will never go in that store. The owner is racist, and she knows it herself by calling out Trump, Trump, Trump. I actually don’t like the woman anyway finding her in the past, to be very rude! Unfortunatly, Trump has unleashed this racism, but I’m glad I know who they are in my community.