Listening to Michelle Obama's wonderful speech reminds me of the little things that also grate.
My partner is Martiniquaise of Malian descent, it's interesting and sometimes shocking standing a little distance away and watching other peoples reaction to her.
In a lift you can hear the handbags being squeezed.
The added attention of security guards in high end shops.
Being asked to leave up market hotel lobbies with the implication [unspoken of course] of prostitution.
The surprise when money is actually produced for goods usually reserved under white privilege.
The questioning of where you come from, slowing down the French as if she is somewhat behind the pace, she happens to speak five languages fluently and French is her mother tongue.
It happens in the US as well, and it starts with customs and passport upon entry and continues relentlessly. Sometimes unless you are looking for the reaction or the actual words used you can miss it entirely, but it is still there.
Oh and when they find out about the rest, it can get quite hilarious, when I sidle up.
;-)
It is so often, sometimes careless, unintended, but when you look for it, it is all too obvious.
Michelle Obama has just spoken clearly and precisely about the undeniable problem, look around, notice your own reactions, even if they are automatic and no ill intention was intended.
There is so much more to both Michelle Obama and ML than the color of their skin and I for one can say it has been my greatest joy and honor to have ML in my life.