Spindrift62 Loc: Dorset, England. U.K.

I have just read a report regarding a shopping spree in Switzerland during the course of which Oprah Winfrey was 'Racially Abused', her words, not mine. Having gone into a shop to purchase a hand bag the assistant declined to remove a bag from a display as she didn't think that Miss Winfrey would be able to afford it. (Miss Winfrey was apparently not wearing make up at the time and her clothing was not described before you ask.). Having asked three times to see the bag and three times being refused for the above reason Miss Winfrey left the shop with out buying anything. This story was apparently told on an American Chat Show Programme, which I haven't seen, by Miss Winfrey herself. Now before you all start crucifying me please bear in mind that the above is all that I've seen on the subject, but I am puzzled. Where is the racism in this story. At no time did the assistant say 'You are black/green/pink/mauve and I'm therefore not serving you. She was refused because in the assistants eyes she didn't look as though she could have afforded the item. Much the same as I was refused entry into a shop in L.A. because I didn't look wealthy enough to shop there according to the Door Security Guards. (Never did get that Ferrari). So I'm asking has racism in America now moved on from colour to now encompass anything that happens to you that you dislike?

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I'm sure non-white people would be able to give you a good answer. "Walk a mile in my shoes."

ocbeyer Loc: Baltimore

:thumbup:

jojo Smith Loc: Northern Michigan

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

30 years ago when I was in terminal 1 Heathrow airport as management checking the retailers a scruffy twenty plus woman in jeans walked past me I followed she got into a rolls and drove off. 100% true

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Not at all unusual. In this "resort" area of the Catskills, I see scruffy NCY folks in their Ferraris, Porsches, etc. They like to look like us "common" folk - except when they're driving.

Bmac Loc: Long Island, NY

I believe Ms Winfrey is correct in her assessment of the incident if this happened the way she described. Just my opinion. 8-)

GARGLEBLASTER Loc: Spain

The shop assistant declined to show her the bag because, in her eyes, Ms Winfrey didn't look as if she coulde afford it. Now if that had been a white person then she would probably have been shown the bag but, because she was black, no, she couldn't possibly afford it. That's racism.

eye2eye Loc: Chicago, Illinois

I seem to recall a similar incident a few years back when she was denied entrance to the Hermes store in Paris. In this case the store was closed but Oprah wanted it to open. They did not comply so she screamed racism. Is the whole world against black people? Were they taught by us ugly Americans on how to be racist? Or is it maybe her attitude and her perception of why these things are happening? After all, I don't pretend I can get inside someones head and read their thoughts. Their reasons are their reasons. If she didn't have any makeup on and was scruffy looking, she could have smelled bad as well. WE WERE NOT THERE. Can't judge. And here you all sit making assumptions and drawing conclusions based on nothing more than your opinions of a story written by a fellow UHH'er. Not saying it's not true, but is their some link to this story to check the facts? Or are we now supposed to keep the story going in support of Oprah and her "claims" of "racism". Not showing someone a bag that probably costs more than my annual salary, is not exactly "racist". Snobbish yes, but racists, no. Me? I would have pulled out my Amex Black Card and went into the next purse shop and purchased the most expensive bag they had. Then I would have walked past that first shop, held up the bag and give the salesperson the one finger salute. Just feel that this was her opinion and unless they called her insulting names, she has no basis for her claim. If I acted on every "feeling" I had, Lord knows where I would be right now. I think she can fight her own battles.

Bruce with a Canon Loc: Islip

To be called A RACIST in America all one must do it disagree with the president, or refer to the town in which he became politically prominent. Chicago.
To disagree with his policies, or the policies of Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, or anyone in the "race business" and you are labeled a racist.
To the dismay of many this tactic works, The right wing of American Politics ( republicans, note the small r) will run for cover at being called any name, but racist will send them cowering faster than any other.

The left wing ( progressives/liberals) have learned their lesson well. First sign of any opposition and they cry RACIST, The republicans cut and run like school yard sissies.

So it goes in America. Land of Opportunity. well it USED to be., Today we have the Land of Liberal Crybabies ( IN CHARGE)

wrr Loc: SEK

I understand the bag was in the $30k+ range...maybe a deposit should be required to see it...lol

eye2eye Loc: Chicago, Illinois

Exactly. Who knows what the salespersons reason was? This was Oprah's perception probably based on her own personal experiences here in America. Not everyone in the world is racist. If they were, the black man would still be enslaved.

Bruce with a Canon Loc: Islip

Similar story. a scruffy middle aged fellow entered an automobile dealership ( I do not remember the brand) and 2 salesmen ignore him, a third was on the way over to ask this character to leave. Before number 3 got to him, yet another salesman asked I he could be of service.
Alice Cooper bought 3 vehicles from this man.
I did not witness this, I simply heard about it through some herpetologist friends. Vince Fornier ( now Alice Cooper) is a huge herp guy

Pepper Loc: Planet Earth Country USA

Oprah has joined the ranks of the spoiled celebrity crowd, you either kiss their ass or they make your life miserable by whatever means possible.

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

Worth over a "BILLION" she could give 3/4 away and still never go without