Christelle Becker : Treat all races equally

Today I had a domestic lady helping me around the flat. Early this morning I told her if she gets thirsty she must make herself juice and when she is hungry she must just let me know. Around 2 pm I was starving and started pouring myself some water and preparing a sandwich when I realised she still had not made herself anything or drank anything.

I told her to come to the kitchen and make herself something. She did, but when it came time to take a plate she asked me if I have a “special” plate and cup for her. I replied no and said she must use our glasses and plates. She continued to make herself some lunch. I went and sat on the couch when my eye caught her sitting on the tile floor with her food. I called her over and told her to sit next to me on the couch. The look on this lady’s face was shocking. As if I had done her a favor or something.

Immediately I felt sick, I realized that this is not what someone should expect when they go to work! It is demeaning! It is not fair! It is cruel! If I had to go to work and change in a outside room that stinks or wee in a toilet that doesn’t have a seat. Or have a “special” plate or mug to drink and eat from I would hate my employer! I would hate humanity! If my mother had to work under those circumstances i would hate those people too! Today taught me something about myself! It taught me something about my country! And most importantly it taught me that my child will grow up in the world I create! Her first memories will be how I treat people!

I will make damn sure that she knows exactly how to treat people regardless of their race.. I am saddened in the hatred I knew in my heart before but today I saw that a little kindness and compassion and understanding doesn’t take anything from you, instead it gives you the greater reward! RESPECT!