Signal Boost: Cultural Tourism in Harlem

I traveled widely with my family growing up, and so learned about the ugly American stereotype. I get no satisfaction from learning there are ugly Europeans and ugly Asians as well.

At Racialious guest poster Fiquah channels grim humor while detailing grotesque white racism.

A Sin And A Shame: Soul Voyeurism And Harlem "Gospel Tours"

 begin quote European and Asian tour groups and buses are a common sight on Sundays in Harlem. As annoying and ubiquitous as they are, for the most part, church tourists are ignorable. [... snip ...] As they watched us, my friend and I watched them, swaying all wrong, clapping off beat and basically turning what was a joyful but sacred experience into a spectacle for their entertainment.

I did my very best to remain silent and non-responsive. And I was good. I really was.

Until devotional.

I had just bowed my head, closed my eyes, and was just about to connect one-on-One with the Lord…when the cell phone of the woman sitting behind me went off.

And she answered.

“Oh, I don’t even believe THIS shit!” I said. J.’s eyes flew open, and she covered her startled gasp with her hand.

“Fiqah. I know ... but ... God,” she whispered anxiously, waving her hand at the ceiling to indicate God’s presence. An elderly woman sitting right in front of me had turned around to glare at me for cussin’ in the Lord’s house. My friend’s a long-time member of her church, so embarrassing her (and myself) further was not an option, but I was pissed.

“Unless that is God on the line she needs an ass-whooping. Jesus be an electrified fence,” I grumbled, frowning and closing my eyes as J. stifled her laughter. quote ends 

There is (surprise!) derail in comments.