SPECIAL EDITION: Nov 13, 2024
How Do You Apply Courage Amid Racism?
by CB Bowman-Ottomanelli
In May, my husband and I took a thrilling trip to Phoenix, Arizona, to see the Rolling Stones! It was our first road trip as newlyweds, and we were bubbling with excitement.
As a gardening maven, while in Phoenix, I suggested visiting the Desert Botanical Garden. Dinner time rolled around, so we decided to eat at a Gertrude’s, expecting a pleasant dining experience with my husband and friends. Instead, we were met with some of the most appalling and outright racist treatment I’ve ever encountered in a restaurant. The shock and disappointment were palpable.
The hostility began before we were even seated, with a 20-minute wait to be seated in a nearly empty restaurant. The hostess and waiter showed blatant disregard for our group, making it clear that we were not welcome. The waiter’s suggestion that we ‘go to a different restaurant’ was so disrespectful that it left us speechless. To add insult to injury, they completely disregarded my service dog, insisting he be placed on the dirty restaurant floor rather than in his sealed carriage. The floor was disgustingly filthy and unsanitary, and the request was humiliating for any pet owner, especially for someone with a service animal who has a legal right to be there.
As a black woman, I’ve unfortunately experienced racism in various forms, but this situation felt like a throwback to an era I had hoped was behind us.
Watching how I was being treated, my Italian husband came to my defense, as did my English and Armenian friends, who were equally outraged.
No one should have to endure such treatment based on their race or background, nor should they have to tolerate such blatant disrespect toward a service animal.
I whispered to my husband, “I’ve got this. The pen will be mightier than a retort to people who cannot hear or care. My husband smiled and said so, will the loss of a few hundred dollars as a result of loosing a “4-top” (this is restaurant “speak” for the loss of four customers). In this case, who would have easily dropped $400.
My pen: I would strongly advise against dining at places, who discriminate based on your skin color or those with disabilities. We all deserve respect and dignity, and this place failed to provide either. This establishment needs to seriously reflect on its customer service and take steps to dramatically improve.
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