the gall!

While we were in San Diego, Cory and I went out to La Mesa to visit the Vons store where Cory and I first met. We always do this (like a ritual) when we visit San Diego, and usually run into someone that is STILL working there after all these years (it's been 20!) Well, as we were walking into the store, this African American woman all done up with 3-inch-long fingernails stopped in the middle of her cell phone conversation to give us some unsolicited "advice." This is how the conversation went:

Annoying woman with cell phone: "Excuse me, is this your daughter?"
Me: "Yes." (wondering what was coming next that was so important to interrupt her phone conversation - I can just imagine the look on my face - if you know me, I've been known for priceless unintentional dirty looks).
Annoying woman with cell phone (in a very condescending tone, under her breath): "Yeah, her hair is looking nappy."
Me: "Excuse me?" (totally flabbergasted that she thought this appropriate)
Annoying woman with cell phone: "You need to find yourself a good braider. And you need to get yourself some BLACK hair products."
Me: (Ok, this was one of those situations where you think of a thousand good comebacks AFTER the fact, but are too stunned in the moment to think of anything good at the time.) Anyways, I said something stupid like "well, she just woke up from a nap." And Cory said something stupid like "can you braid her hair or can you help?" And nevermind the fact that the poor child had been fighting a 103 degree fever for 3 days - the last thing I was worried about was her HAIR. But yeah, I understand the whole African culture thing and how important hair is for status, confidence, acceptance, blah blah blah....shoot, there's even movies made about it like the recent one made by Chris Rock called "Good Hair."

But the gall of this woman ASSUMING that I don't have a clue, or IMPLYING that I'm not taking proper care of my child just because I'm WHITE!!! ARGH! Don't get me started!