racism in the VI?

Been here 7 years as a white, 36 year old (now), and I hardly see any racism. When people from the States see that word, they tend to think in terms of whites being racist towards black. It's backwards here, though. And maybe I don't see it because I treat everyone the same, and, having been here this long, maybe I am just accustomed to it now...if it's there? Haha!

I have definately experienced some racist towards me as a white.

For example standing in line for something a mom in front of me kept repeating 'no offense to snowflake here but...' to the clerk because he served me first. (he was black) but that was just kind of amusing.

It seems like I get warry looks the first time I go into a store or something but once I am known I am treated very friedly. For example when I go into Chester Fried Chicken and they know what I order.

I think its definately what you put out there. I try to be really nice and polite.

Often I find that taxis are snappy with meand then I start talking to them and asking them how their day was ect. And they become very friendly and jovial.

You get what you give, right? Remember the golden rule: Do unto others, etc. Maybe Ian and I are not experiencing rascism to the degree that your friend was (is?) due to the way we treat others?

I have expereinced some minor instances where my being a european-american has been difficult. But as Marty and other said, if you treat people well it comes back.

Its a small island and before long you develop a reputation. If its as an "ugly american" then look out. But if you treat people with respect, good morning and all that you're treated well. I go into some stores in the Coki area that look very scary and get treated well.

Ian, do I understand you correctly that the clerk served you first despite the fact that you were behind the Mom?
Perhaps that is why she became upset and referenced your race? She may have believed that the clerk actually assisted you first BECAUSE you were white. I have had several experiences on-island where a clerk will assist a white patron before me and it can be quite frustrating to say the least.

Anyone see the comic "Boondocks" in the VI Daily News today?

I am completely baffled.

You can see it online here: http://www.ucomics.com/boondocks/

LR,
My interpretation, in brief...
If you've been reading Boondocks regularly, you know that "Ruckus" is suffering from some intense self-hatred as a Black man. This week alone (in the strip) he has negated all of the Af-Am contributions to American society and attributed them to White americans. In yesterday's column, he was upset and insulted, not at the recognition of his own self-hatred, but at the fact that he was being called out as being black (as are his "mama" and his kids). For me, that's where the humor came in. Sad, but funny, that Ruckus, as a Black man, would be more insulted that his friend referenced him as Black, then that he finds himself hating who he is.
That was my take, anyone else?