I had a strange "demographic" experience today. I went to a beauty supply store that is part of a chain. I don't know the ownership of the chain or if it's, instead, a franchise, but this particular store is run by Ethiopians or Ethiopian-Americans. Actually, I don't know for sure that they're Ethiopian, but I think so. I went to this store because they sell some odd things. I was looking for silicone serum, which I had read about on the internet and which is supposed to be good for chlorine damage to the hair, which is a problem for me.
Anyway, this shop culturally seems more like a hobby for a bunch of bored housewives than a business. It reminded me of beauty parlors in Mexico City when I lived there. The majority of the customers while I was there were also Ethiopian and they and the shopkeepers were all chattering in a language I'm not used to hearing. And they chattered and chattered. There was quite a line but still they chattered. Behind me in line was the only other patron who was not Ethiopian. She was African-American. She looked at me and rolled her eyes and I rolled mine back. As I did so I chuckled at the instant cultural sisterhood between me and this woman.
On Sunday, I was in a supermarket in the same shopping center, one that is frequented by immigrants and embassy folk. In the supermarket, I was reaching for some eggs when an Arab man asked me how the gallon of orange juice he was holding, with a white cap, was different from the ones with the green caps. I checked it out and told him that one was fortified with calcium. He spoke to me without making eye contact and without thanking me for helping him. His covered wife was standing a couple of steps behind him holding a kid and looking down. I've had similar transactions with Arabs. The transactions always seem just a little bit off, particularly the lack of the exchange of thank yous and you're welcomes.
There's a new Egyptian restaurant being furnished right next to the beauty supply store. I'll try it once it's open. Like OMD, I really enjoy the color and texture added by immigrant cultures. |
