Story 1: I'm embarrassed to admit this, but when the term "watermelon people" was used online last week, I bristled because I thought it was an anti-black slur. Apparently, it's anti-Palestinian. I'm bristling.
Story 2: Today I saw our new theater director standing by themselves in the cafeteria and as I started to introduce myself, she told me she remembered being introduced to me in the parking lot when she had her campus visit. We ended up having lunch together and while we were saying goodbye I marveled that she remembered me from that one interaction all those months ago (March? April?). And she laughingly said, "Oh, I remember you, Chocolate chip!" LOL. She's a person of color too, and we are a PWI.
Pic: The beautiful watermelon earrings Rev. KPB gave me this morning!
12 comments:
I always read your blog first thing in the morning (4ish, so pretty much when you are going to bed) and sometimes the coffee hasn't kicked in and I have to google things. Today it was PWI. Yesterday it was DV and NGL.
I have never heard the term watermelon people, but I too would have assumed it was some kind of anti-black slur.
Nice earrings
Funny
I'm sure you made more of an impression on her than just being another Chocolate Chip at a PWI, Maya. Even in a short interaction.
I am always aware of any interaction I have with someone on campus because it will ALWAYS circle around since we're so small. I once asked a confused looking woman if she needed directions and walked her to an office only to find out she was a candidate for a position in our department! We'd already met and had a positive interaction, so I think that gave us a leg up. Those small interactions are so important!
I also had to google PWI. And I haven't heard the term "watermelon people" before. Why is it anit-Palestinian? i wouldn't have guessed that! Good thing I started reading your blog so I know a little more of what's going on in the world.
Nicole, Yikes! I'll slow my roll on the abbreviations!
I googled and we're three hours ahead of Kelowna (two ahead of Calgary) so not quite at the *same* time but close enough. And although I lapsed tonight (as the timestamp may show), I went to bed before midnight for the last two days and hope to make you proud of me someday. XOXO
I wonder if she made them... I must ask...
:)
Nance, that's so nice of you! I would hope so too. But if my presence helped reassure her that diversity was valued and supported, I'm ok with it.
Engie--I can see you doing this! Total charm offensive!
Jenny, I only learned this in the past year--watermelons have come to symbolize Palestine because they have the colors of the Palestinian flag!
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