Managers of color does this happen to you?
Perhaps I am in my old lady curmudgeon mood today (It happens).
I am a Black librarian and a Branch Manager. Now I will admit today I have on some fresh just dropped Nike shoes on (but that’s because I have a bunion now and my old cheerleading injury has finally pulled a revenge move on me and now clicks when I wear heels). I also had on my jeans and a Sesame Street button up blouse and a cardigan (I was a children’s librarian once). Now I don’t look old but I surely don’t look like the young fresh early aughts graduate I was at the beginning of my career. However, even when I’m in a suit with undyed grey hair…I always get the shocked look when folks ask for a librarian. Then I get the double take and wide eyes when they say, “oh well I need the manager” and I respond with “Yes, how can I help you”. It is always assumed I’m a clerk, page or aide - except when I’m dealing with patrons who are Black.
Today it happened 5 times and I am just wondering is it just me?