Something happened to me and I didn't know how to handle it

cantdrv55 · 10-21-2005, 08:55 AM

I've not encountered anything like this in probably 15 years so I was at a loss as to how to react.

I was at a stoplight on the right lane waiting to turn. The car behind honked, maybe 4 times, and was waving his hands. It was a "No Turn on Red" corner so I was waiting for the green light. Apparently the guy behind didn't know. So, I pointed at the sign (but he probably couldn't see it) and stayed put until the green. As I turned, he sped up and got beside, rolled down his window, flipped me off and said, "Learn to drive, Slope!".

Now, I haven't been called a racial slur in so long that I was, at first, paralyzed. When I came to, I stepped on the gas to run the moth3rfuch3r down. He was in a new Mustang and I in my Dodge Caravan company car. By the time I reacted though, he'd gone past another light and I got stuck.

This happened this morning. I can't believe that in this day and age, in a metropolitan area, there are still racists among us. Maybe I'm living a fantasy but I just haven't encountered racism in a while. I suppose it's better to know who they are.

In my younger days, I probably would not have hesitated to chase him. But, I'm 41, in a shirt and tie and was on my way to see my customers. Not a good way to start the day.

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

best you didn't chase. About the only consolation is that in his next life he will probably come back as a slug or something. Karma...

vash · vash's Garage

***** that bastard. exact same schit happens to me almost everyday at the exact same location. i know, because i had the contractor install that sign, "no turn on red". live your life comfortable knowing that you are the better driver. who knows the bastard is probably late for his job, sweeping. i cant do crap but smile, because i am in a orange truck. but believe me,....

what the hell, does "slope" mean anyways?

Mulhollanddose · 10-21-2005, 09:07 AM

Something happened to me and I didn't know how to handle it

Two choices:
1. You seek righteous justice and suffer in the process, even if you get away with it.
2. You allow Karma, or God, to do their job...which they inevitably will.

At this point, I more oft take option 2...Amazingly God is better at it than me...But it seems they ALWAYS get theirs, one way or another.

Most importantly, DO NOT let it bother you (as much as possible, not worth it).

Flatbutt1 · 10-21-2005, 09:14 AM

sorry you had that happen to you cantdrv55. As a white man I can only try to imagine how it feels. But maybe there is some consolation in knowing that this person is ignorant, was reacting out of anger, knew he was safe in his car and is therefore a coward. And that you are the better person for controlling your anger.

cantdrv55 · 10-21-2005, 09:15 AM

Slope refers to sloping foreheads some Asians have, I believe. I think the term originated during the Vietnam War?

Superman · 10-21-2005, 09:15 AM

I remember when we discussed a device that is a programmable message ribbon, ticker-tape thingie that could go where the PORSCHE strip is between the rear lights of our 911's. It could say anything you like. I remember that discussion because this device would be a VERY VERY BAD thing for most of use to place into service.

alf · 10:00 AM

Happened to me several times since i came to the US in 86. His ignorance is his problem, do not make it yours. Unless confronted FTF, like NS, Mul and Vash said just let it go. Live a good and worthy life.

pwd72s · 10-21-2005, 09:19 AM

A sad fact of life...that even today, A-holes come in all colors. You were wise to ignore.

Leader · 10-21-2005, 09:20 AM

I am so sorry that this incident happened to you, but try not to make it into anything more significant than insensitive BS from an idiot.

The fact that it's been a long time since you've run into a blatant racist is good, but they are still out there, maybe not in the numbers they used to be, but sadly, they're still around. And somehow being behind the wheel of a car often brings out behavior that's both rude and dangerous.

Although it's not easy to ignore an ******* in traffic, especially one that directly confronts you, reacting to them or chasing them or (worse) confronting them back is not a good idea.

I always try to remind myself that someone who would call me a name, flip me off or drive recklessly in traffic would be unlikely to change into a polite individual after a face-to-face discussion. Or, look at it this way - if you were at a party with a guy like that, would you spend any time talking with him? The answer is, no.

It doesn't make those first few minutes after such an incident any easier to swallow, but with the right perspective, an encounter like that can and should be forgotten.

motion · 10-21-2005, 09:26 AM

That guy is a miserable piece of $hit. His life sucks. You are much better. I can't even believe you thought about him for more than 3 seconds.

vash · vash's Garage

no way, that is what that term means??? that is stupid and really un-original. doenst even make sense. he really should have made fun of your little.....

cheer up, you did fine.

one time, i had a man pull his eyes back in slants and in his best chinese accent, order fried rice. i asked him, you sure you want the fried rice? the dumbarse was seriously ordering like that. i smiled and we sold him "special" rice. when he left, he said, "hey i was just messing with you", then he got all serious, and asked me, "hey, what is the difference between japanese and chinese?" some people are just that stupid.

Usmellgass2? · 10-21-2005, 10:05 AM

imho Just blow it off man, dont waste a second of your own life by stooping to the level of a loud mouth moron. If you had a plate number I would call it in just to give the punk a chance to hang himself, otherwise enjoy life, loved ones n friends. maby an occasional sad shake of the head for thoese that need to grow up.

RickM · RickM's Garage

Next time smile, blow the ****er a kiss and go on your merry way. That'll get him jacked up enough to blow an artery.

Rot 911 · 10-21-2005, 10:16 AM

Rest easy knowing we all love you here.

cbeers · 10-21-2005, 10:25 AM

Chris,

While I know nothing, that term always meant sloping eyes, at least as I have understood it. Same as slant. Either way, $hitty way to live.

I didn't even notice you were Asian??????

-Chris

VaSteve · 10-21-2005, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by cbeers

I didn't even notice you were Asian??????

-Chris

Isn't it funny? On the internet, I assume all of you look like me. Damn fine looking bunch we are.

targa911S · 10-21-2005, 10:55 AM

So Vash...how "special" was that rice???

masraum · 10-21-2005, 11:02 AM

Are you kidding, there are still tons of ignorant bastards like that running around, I'm sad to say. It was just a few years back when some piece o crap drug a guy behind his truck it Texas.

I think that type should be used for target practice and drug testing.

I can't even begin to put myself in your shoes. I had a black woman call me a "cracker" in anger once, but it just didn't mean anything to me.

Do you best to ignore it and put it out of your mind. We aren't all like that.

targa911S · 10-21-2005, 11:10 AM

I had a black woman admonish me for being a smoker once and she told me that smokers should have to be in a different section. I told her she must have forgotten what it was like to have to sit in the back of the bus. .........she said no more about it.