A) I decided to go shopping in an upscale store that I normally avoid because I tend to be under-dressed. I went into this store in the busy mall wearing a t-shirt, overalls, and stained tennis shoes. My hair was a curly mess, I wore no make-up, and I had my two daughters tagging along. I looked ragged. I wanted to see what kind of reaction and treatment I would get from the customers and sales associates.

B) I immediately noticed two women who were shopping near the entrance who looked up at me as if I didn't belong in the store. I looked around for about five minutes as sales associate after sales associate walked past me. I acted as if I couldn't find something when they passed. I was still ignored. Finally I went up to the sales counter where two women were standing. The first sales associate was helping another woman, but she never asked the second associate to help me. I stood there for at least three minutes while they helped others who were after me, finally I spoke up and asked for help. Immediately, they took me to the clearance rack and I kept asking them about the sixty dollar slacks. It took me four repeated inquiries about the pants to get her to show me a pair. I felt awful, I was being judged by my appearance, not my presence. It made me angry and frustrated. The language the sales associates used with me was very demeaning to my intelligence and style. I felt many eyes on me. I was so frustrated with the treatment and the glares from snooty customers that I bought the slacks!!! Just to prove a point. AGGGGHHHH!

C) I definitely realize that our society creates the norms we have come to accept as acceptable. I also see how we do judge "books by their cover". People are discriminated against for not looking the part when they enter a store which carries higher priced clothing. Ass-u-me is now a huge part of our society's norms. Go figure.
Marti