We had a really sad experience a few weeks ago. Tyrone took Scotia, Blythe and Jaxon shopping at Dicks Sporting Goods one Saturday morning. Blythe needed soccer stuff, Scotia wanted sneakers and Jaxon needed to try on some sneakers for sizing.
They found everything they needed and got into line. Jaxon wanted candy and Tyrone told him he had to pay for it himself so Jaxon grabbed the keys and walked out to the car to get his wallet while Tyrone stood in line to pay for almost $300 worth of stuff.
When Jaxon stepped into the foyer area between the exterior and interior doors the loss prevention officer grabbed him and questioned him about stealing a headband. Jaxon said he had not, and the officer threatened, "just tell the truth, just be honest and I won't have to call the cops". Jaxon convinced him he had not taken anything, remained calm, offered to go watch the video if that helped. He didn't say anything to Tyrone until they were all in the car and Tyrone steamed the whole way home.
I called customer service and complained. Eventually store management got back to me. The loss prevention officer was fired - he did not follow protocol at all. They sent Jaxon a very kind apology note and a gift card for new sneakers. Jaxon would like to leave it all behind.
I have talked to the boys lots about what to do if they get stopped by the police. Keep hands in sight, no sudden movements, talk calmly and politely, ask for permission to reach for wallet etc. I never imagined I would have to talk about walking out of a favorite sporting good store with hands up...
And I'm not saying a Brown kid won't ever shoplift. If you see my kid put something in their pocket and walk out then by all means stop them. But if you find a tag on the floor and the most likely suspect in your opinion is the brown boy with an afro walking out the door - then we've got a racism problem.
Moving on. Trying to live a life and be careful at the same time....
They found everything they needed and got into line. Jaxon wanted candy and Tyrone told him he had to pay for it himself so Jaxon grabbed the keys and walked out to the car to get his wallet while Tyrone stood in line to pay for almost $300 worth of stuff.
When Jaxon stepped into the foyer area between the exterior and interior doors the loss prevention officer grabbed him and questioned him about stealing a headband. Jaxon said he had not, and the officer threatened, "just tell the truth, just be honest and I won't have to call the cops". Jaxon convinced him he had not taken anything, remained calm, offered to go watch the video if that helped. He didn't say anything to Tyrone until they were all in the car and Tyrone steamed the whole way home.
I called customer service and complained. Eventually store management got back to me. The loss prevention officer was fired - he did not follow protocol at all. They sent Jaxon a very kind apology note and a gift card for new sneakers. Jaxon would like to leave it all behind.
I have talked to the boys lots about what to do if they get stopped by the police. Keep hands in sight, no sudden movements, talk calmly and politely, ask for permission to reach for wallet etc. I never imagined I would have to talk about walking out of a favorite sporting good store with hands up...
And I'm not saying a Brown kid won't ever shoplift. If you see my kid put something in their pocket and walk out then by all means stop them. But if you find a tag on the floor and the most likely suspect in your opinion is the brown boy with an afro walking out the door - then we've got a racism problem.
Moving on. Trying to live a life and be careful at the same time....
ReplyDeleteI am very proud of you Jaxon! You are the bigger man by far! While it is a sad truth that racism in all it's colors and looks and sizes certainly is all about us, you handled yourself in this situation in a mature, responsible, capable and sensible manner, unlike that employee( who lost his job and will not get a good recommendation for the next ). Remember that it is the person who acts unreasonably who has the problem. You are one kind, intelligent, talented and handsome young man, a tribute to your parents and an asset to our world. lots of love and admiration for you, nana R.
Ditto Nana.
ReplyDeleteGP (Grandpa Peter)
I am so sorry and sad and mad that this happened to Jaxon. It sounds like he handled it the best he could and that you did an awesome job of following up to make sure it was addressed even further. Thanks for sharing this. Love to all the Browns.
ReplyDeleteI’m so sorry this happened. I’m so sorry we live in a world where you have to even have conversations with your boys about how to handle situations like this. It makes me so sad and angry! I’m glad you shared this experience, and I’m glad the store took action. (Although I know it doesn’t fix the trauma of the experience.)
ReplyDelete