My Dad enforces the "sir" thing

While it is certainly possible for European Americans to create awkward interactions with people of other ethnicities through overcompensation for feelings of guilt, genuine desire for friendship coupled to lack of experience, or disguising uncharitable attitudes beneath a veneer of "making nice," there is certainly a lot of room for genuine kindness in this world. These stories speak to that need, particularly when Daily Indignities may occupy much of the rest of the day.

The other day at the train station, I did something -- with such ease -- that writing it down does not even seem like much sense. I was with my mom and grandma, and as we entered I held the door, my job, for my grandmother. She slowly made her way through as an older black man approached the entrance as well. I kept my hand on the door in order to keep the heavy oak door open for him too. He was hesitant to allow me to do this, but I just smiled and said, "Hi Sir" under my breath. My Dad enforces the "sir" thing; he says it's polite. So in the end, the man walked away with a big grin of amazement on his face. I would have held the door open for anyone -- it was just a nice, normal thing to do. But, as I analyzed the situation a little later, I see how I might have taken one small step -- helping the giant leap -- needed to end racism. I am glad I am aware of my actions and proud too. I'd hold that door 1,000 times more if I could, and I will.

 - TH, Beaverton, OR, USA