The Disconcerting Encounter: A Lesson in Realities of 1998 America

During my tenure as a marketing representative for the Miller Brewing Company in Charlottesville, Virginia, I was assigned to spend some time with a new hire, John, who was about to cover the Harrisonburg area. The job, naturally, entailed the consumption of beer, making it somewhat of a cultural norm for me to stay at his apartment whenever possible.

What was uncommon was that John’s three roommates were all students at the local community college. My colleague had graduated from James Madison University (JMU), but his fellow roommates? Not quite as impressive. My colleagues were discussing their living arrangements when they spoke of their roommates in hushed tones, a conversation that came to an abrupt end when one of the roommates revealed an attitude that was deeply troubling.

Confronting the Uncomfortable Reality

Casual chats with one of the roommates led to an unexpected revelation: he was a self-proclaimed racist and had trouble believing that integration had occurred, noting this at a time when it was already 1998. Initially, I thought he was indulging in ironic humor.

After a few follow-up questions, it became clear that he was neither being humorous nor appreciative of my incredulity. Embarrassed by the seriousness of our conversation, it concluded rather abruptly, and I retired to my fellow Miller employees' room where an air mattress was waiting for me.

My host climbed into bed shortly after our conversation, and I regaled him with a retelling of my interaction with the roommate. Midway through my story, the room doors swung open, and the roommate who had been our topic of discussion emerged, grabbing me by the neck and demanding that I leave.

Overwhelmed by shock and completely unprepared, it did not even occur to me to fight back. He had me out to the front door when my corporate partner intervened, explaining that I would indeed be spending the night. Freed from the roommate’s grip, I leaned against the wall and watched the fallout occur. He demanded the attention of his roommates, brandishing a fork from the dish drying rack.

Understanding and Reflection

This incident highlighted the stark realities of racism and racial attitudes in the late 1990s, especially in areas with educational institutions. While integration was common, acknowledgments of racial harmony and progress were not always met with respect or understanding. The roommate’s actions and comments reflect a deep-seated prejudice that was unfortunately pervasive during that time.

The experience taught me a valuable lesson about the importance of understanding these issues and the need for conversations about race and diversity. It also underscored the responsibility of individuals to stand up against racism and challenge such sentiments, even in seemingly personal contexts.

Conclusion

Although the incident occurred over two decades ago, it remains a poignant reminder of the progress that has been made and the challenges that still exist. As we reflect on the past and strive for a more inclusive future, stories like these must be shared and learned from to build a more equitable society.

Keywords: racism, 1998, community college