I just read another writers story about dealing with a Trump supporting cashier. It made me want to share something I have been doing, with very positive results.
I am a white male, 62 years old. Living in Central Florida. We have a mix of brown , white and black skinned people in my area.
When I am standing in a cashier lane, and I find that a dark skinned person is behind me in line, I offer for them to go ahead of me in line. When they ask why, I tell them in a loud enough voice to be heard in the surrounding area “ Ever since Trump the world has become meaner and more hostile towards dark skinned people. I am letting you go ahead of me as a form of apology from a white person who does not feel that way .”
If there are any MAGA hats nearby I am sure to look them in the eyes as I speak. Invariably they look away or at the floor , hopefully in guilt.
After the recipient moves ahead of me, I ask them to do one thing in return. VOTE !! They inevitably say they will. I give them a business card I have printed with my contact information in case they need help finding out how to get registered , when and where to vote, etc.
I am batting 100 percent with acceptance of my offer to move ahead in line. I have ended up having some wonderful conversations and meeting some incredible new friends. And I hope at least some of them who would not have voted will become active voters.
We are all in this together.