Racism: It Still Shines it's Ugly Head

I am a novice blogger, so I will try to keep it brief. Initially I wanted to discuss the racist and blatantly misogynistic budget spending policy revisions suggested on conservative radio host Mike Savage's show today, but that is too easy. Instead, I will share my sister's experience with a fashion designer in NY.

Most of you know that my sister, and her business partner have a showroom in NY. They also have a staffing venture where individuals interested in the fashion business can be placed with designers on a temp basis to either do a fashion show, trade show, etc. My sister hires the temps and her partner works with the clients to figure out what there needs are for the event. My sister typically interviews the temp, sends over a photo, resume etc. to the client.

Three weeks ago one of their clients, who has happily used their services before, called and said, "I am sorry to say this, and please don't take this the wrong way, but does the temp have a weave?" WTF? Partner responded very professionally saying I'm not sure and was curious as to why (this one temp we had, not sent by my sister's business, had a weave and she got hair all over the booth and I don't want that to happen again).

Partner: "I am not sure if she has a weave or not, when (sis) interviewed her she looked very presentable and if she does have a weave it has been done properly and I cannot tell."

Client"the Racist": Okay well thanks.

Fast forward to today.

Client"the Racist": "I hate to bring this up again, but I am from Chicago and the temp's area code is from Chicago, "the South side"
Partner: And?
Client"the Racist": the South side is the poor, "bad" part
Partner: (in shock)

So there are several things going on now. The client is not aware that both my sis and her partner are black women because they have always done business over the phone and now feels comfortable to call and be completely inappropriate, stereotypical and racist. My sis and her partner don't want to burn bridges with clients but as black women and dare I say humans who are not as ignorant as their client they can't let this be swept under the rug. They would like to cancel the arrangements and let her know that their business does not tolerate this type of behavior. The temp who is overly qualified, but needs the job is out of a gig that pays $500. My sis and her partner don't want to send the temp to the crazy client in fear of mistreatment, but don't want her to be out of a job this weekend. Now, they are choosing to tell the temp that for personal reasons they had to cancel the arrangements with that designer, but will pay her a % out of pocket.

It ain't easy or cheap trying to be a decent person.