I had a long day of classes and work, so the bus ride back to campus is where I can take a moment for myself to relax and breathe. I recall feeling overwhelmed from all the stress I deal with in my day and let me say how hard it is to maintain the workload. But drama being added to my plate was something I didn't necessarily want or need in my life as I sat quietly minding my business and listening to music while on the bus. Unfortunately my day took a turn for the worst.
As I sit in the front row of the bus filled with empty seats, an old WHITE lady came in. Now I don't discriminate but something about this old lady rubbed me the wrong way as she came in with a sour expression. Interesting I thought, she probably a hard day just like me but something was off as she was staring at me to hard. I didn't take interest until the old lady invaded my personal space. Dreading the worst I lowered my music as I heard what she said " Excuse me SPIC your in my seat." I had to double take and when I registered the foul name she called me. I addressed her calmy and said " Call me SPIC one more time." I didn't think when I said this but if she didn't stop I wouldn't be able to control myself.
Then again the old lady was trying to get a rise out of me and she won't because I was raised to not disrespect my elders no matter how rude they are. But this lady was different. I felt like she hated my existence and My very identity of being hispanic. And for what? I barely know her and she barely knows me. What purpose does she gain in hating someone who has a slightly darker skin tone then her. Its not right nor is it fair to treat others that way. She gains nothing out of this except the pain as she keeps hurting herself in the process. At this point she gets only my sympathy with a hint of bitterness in the mix.
The old lady continued with her verbal abuse on my culture and like any sane person would do I ignore it. My mother would be proud, I laughed a lil. Wrong move it seemed as it made the old lady angry. Unexpectedly the bus driver got involved. I was speechless when the bus driver said "Ma'am I would kick you off this bus if you don't stop harassing the young lady." A lump formed in my throat as I noticed the bus driver was a WHITE man. And He defended me against her. The lady finally stopped.
It wasn't long before I reached my final destination that the bus driver asked me if I was okay. To be honest I was far from being okay. But as I looked at him in the eye I smiled with tears and thanked him. If anything I had hope.
