So it’s not officially summer, but it’s hot out, and bathing suits are in the stores. I went shopping for a bathing suit today, and upon my purchase was questioned by a store clerk:
“Do you have all your sun products?” she asked.
I’m thinking – what is she trying to sell me? I’ve worked as a cashier before; I know about the extra points you get for selling up a purchase with impulse buys at the register. But there was nothing on the register. Did she mean to sell me a cute swim cover up? A shady hat? Sunglasses?
“You mean suncreen?” I asked, hoping to avoid any further purchases.
“Yes!” she said.
Ok, I thought to myself. She’s not trying to upsell me. She’s just concerned for my skin health. How nice. I informed her that I did indeed have my sunscreen ready.
Then she dropped a bomb. An unnecessary bomb. Looking me up and down, she remarked:
“And it looks like you need some self tanner.”
Really? Honestly? I mean, I know I’m pale, but you don’t need to insult me by trying to sell me beauty products designed to make me something I’m not. To be honest, I used to care about my skin and tried tanning (always ended up with me burning). I was even told by a friend once that someone actually didn’t like me because I was pale. There came a point in college where it was such a big deal to be tan, that I even tried spray tanning (which was pricey and short-lived). Eventually, I got over it and became comfortable being me in my own light skin. So I guess you could say that this comment struck a chord with me. But rather than give a reaction, I just smiled and said:
“Oh, I know I’m pale. I actually like it that way; I’m Scotch-Irish.”
She just looked at me, dumbfounded.
That’s right. I’m proud of my freckles, fair skin, and light hair. It’s a testament to my heritage. Slan go foill! And welcome to summer 
