Below we have shared a social media post from Dionne, a member of the community -
Dionne's Facebook Post:
"So I went to buy some hair products in Peckham got to the till and the conversation went something like this:
Me: Good evening Sir
Him: *Nothing
Me: hi how are you
Him: mumbles something in arabic
Me: hi is everything ok
Him: *looks up* can't you see I'm busy go away go to the other till ...looks me up and down then speaks to colleague in arabic pointing and laughing at me ..
(At this point I had to take a moment to respond and not react as He is still cussing and gesturing at me)
Me: the fact that you think its ok to talk to me like this in a black hair shop, a business built for someone like me is a problem!! ... (He laughed)
Me: *in arabic * what is your name ?
Him: (looks in shock) ...Ali
Me: You will value my money and value my custom... I calmly put down the product leave the shop and take a picture of the store
Him: sister sister I'm sorry blah blah blah blah
Me: now I'm your sister ?? Like I said You will value my money and value my custom... because soon you will have nothing. it's a digital world Ali never get complacent my phone will be your replacement !!!
The sad thing about this is he really thought after treating me like that he Would still get my money, which leads me to believe he's done this before ...
This might seem small but if we don't put value on ourselves how will anyone else. He had respect for his sister but no respect for a sister."
The dialogue presented above - gives an insight into how members of the community are being treated in shops and other retail outlets.
ARUK Community - believes that this behaviour by shop owners towards sections of our community, is unacceptable and should not be tolerated.
Below is a picture of the shop - where Dionne experienced this unnecessary - disrespectful - and unjust behaviour - along with its address. The only way to stop this kind of behaviour is to 'NAME' and 'SHAME' them.
