The very FIRST time I went to Africa, I was going KLM, thus via Schipol, Amsterdam.
There was this 'predictable' (no apologies offered or given) Black American returning 'to his roots' going around everybody - just patiently waiting for their flight without any preferred interaction, just enforced - he was covered in gold chains and 'loud' as anyone would want to forget.
Eventually he 'found' me, despite my efforts to avoid confrontation - I NEVER back down!! - and asked where I came from.
Of course, when I mentioned I originated from LIVERPOOL, his blue touch paper was lit, and I received 'It's because of your brothers mine are in the trouble that they have ..' or words similar ....
Fortunately there was a White American who understood what 'went down' before I did who simply said 'Hey man, whatever happened 200 years ago has nothing to do with this guy, leave alone' ....
Once bitten ... as they say.
I've since spent 15 years in Africa and my wife is African but I detest this reverse discrimination.
Just stepped off the soapbox.
Al.
