The author has a heart-to-heart conversation about the rise in ugly behaviors customers display to small Black businesses during a global pandemic.
Come on in and have a seat dear. It’s time we have a little chat. Now I’ve been sitting back observing a few of your behaviors and darling I’m a bit displeased.
I know you weren’t raised to carry on in this matter and I know you can do so much better. So, let’s talk about it, shall we? Good. I’m afraid that Amazon has spoiled you, my dear.
I’ve been wanting to say this to you for some time now. Maybe it’s partially my fault for not speaking up sooner. Nonetheless, we are here.
Where did we go wrong?
We, collectively as a nation have grown to become such a microwave society that demands instant gratification in everything we do or in this case purchase.
Do you remember the days when we had to wait at least 5-7 business days for our order to process before things shipped out our way? I know it seems like ages ago, but honestly, it’s been less than 10 years.
Patience was an admirable attribute that we exchanged (along with currency) to the merchants in which we purchased our goods. What happened dear?
Now we’ve exchanged those behaviors for pure ugliness in the form of a toddler fit who couldn’t get their way in aisle six of the toy section. Yes, I’ve seen the disgusting emails.
A few of my Black business friends have shared some of the ugliness that floods their emails daily. All the while, pushing their mental health to the side to cater to your hissy-fits in the comments section.
It’s gotten quite out of hand dear.
Black Business Owner’s Perspective?
Listen, I don’t care what Sam’s family is doing at Walmart or how Jeff is moving over at Amazon, let’s stop the bashing and bullying of small businesses particularly the Black businesses that you claim to support. Ok?
Did you get the memo dear that we are currently in the middle of a pandemic? Do you understand that a pandemic affects people? That people work and run businesses? Do you understand that most of the people affected are the very people who are working aimlessly to get you those goods or services you’ve purchased?
I get it. Humans can be flawed. The same goes for the people behind businesses. Sometimes they may not get it right.
But do you think it’s fair to lump everyone, all Black businesses, in the same boat for the one bad experience received from that one company?
Breathe dear. Let’s process why it hurts you so much to not get that batch of bath bombs or cookbooks within 24 hours of your purchase.
Did you purchase it as a gift?
Ahhh…I see, you’re afraid that the person on the gift-receiving end is going to not appreciate you for showering them with gifts on the day of their special event?
That can be tough. For most businesses, particularly small ones, they think about these special moments too.
This is why most of them are sleeping in their warehouses or working out of their garages from sun up to sun down missing out on their precious family moments, in the hopes that you won’t miss out on yours.
The Global Pandemic Caused a Lot of Strain on Black Businesses’ Day-to-Day Operations.
Touching briefly again on the fact that we are currently in a pandemic – this further strains the operations, logistics, and supply chain systems required to deliver your goods.
Your problem may not be with the business you patronize. It could very well be delays in goods received from suppliers, bottlenecking in the mail courier systems, lack of support due to ill workers, or lack of access to capital due to systemic oppression.
We’ll save that last issue to chat about another day.Needless to say, it’s ok to feel your feelings. I just ask that you take a moment to process before you lash out at your brothers and sisters in business who are out here trying to make it happen.
It took a lot of courage for them to step out on faith to pursue these ventures. Please don’t put a permanent stain on their reputation because the anomaly that is Amazon has stroked your pessimistic ego.
Can We Shift Our Behaviors to Do Better and Display Respect?
Remember God doesn’t like ugly. The one finger you point at someone else shoots three pointing back at you.
Please follow the golden rule dear and treat others with the same dignity and respect you might want to receive in return. Who knows, you may have a calling over your life to start that business one day. You have to think, do I want the same energy I’m giving?
Can we try to do better dear? I know you can. It’s all love. Now go tell your friends.
Black Businesses: Can We Stop the Bashing? – AUDIO FILE
About the Author
Yana is a literary artist and avid podcaster using her superpower of writing and storytelling to connect to the heart of people.
As the co-host of the Melanated Conversations podcast, she holds space for the amplification of Black women’s voices. With listeners spanning over 80 countries, she honors the transformative narratives of Black women around the globe.
