A viral video filmed inside a retail store in Shanghai has triggered comments about the prevalence of racial profiling and the experiences of Black travelers abroad.
In the video, a Black woman captured what she described as being followed by a store employee while shopping.
Shermiah, the women, who posts under the handle @bruhhitsmiahh on Instagram, shared footage showing a store worker trailing her through the aisles. In the video, Shermiah narrates the encounter in real time, expressing disbelief and frustration.
“She’s following me, you see? Being Black is so crazy. Look guys, she’s still there. It’s so crazy. I’m gonna keep walking so you guys can see,” she says as the camera pans to show the employee at a distance.
The clip quickly gained traction online, with many commenting about the extent of racial bias against Blacks, cultural differences, and the treatment of Black individuals in predominantly non-Black countries.
A Familiar Experience for Many
For many viewers, Shermiah’s experience reflects a broader pattern. Black travelers and expatriates have long reported being monitored more closely in retail environments, a practice critics argue is rooted in racial profiling rather than legitimate security concerns.
While some commenters expressed outrage and solidarity, others attempted to contextualize the situation.
“Disliked all over the world,” one user wrote under the video posted on @worldstar on Instagram, suggesting the issue transcends borders. Another added, “Can’t blame her,” implying the employee may have been acting out of store policy or caution rather than bias.
Still, others took a more dismissive or controversial tone, with one comment reading, “On their soil, you have no rights.”
Cultural Context vs. Discrimination
Experts note that while retail surveillance practices vary globally, the perception of being singled out based on race can have lasting psychological impacts. In countries with less racial diversity, implicit biases may go unchallenged, leading to uncomfortable or discriminatory encounters for visitors and residents alike.
However, critics argue that invoking “cultural differences” should not excuse behavior that disproportionately targets individuals based on appearance.
The Power of Viral Visibility
Shermiah’s decision to document and share the moment underscores the growing role of social media in exposing everyday experiences of bias. What might once have gone unnoticed is now subject to global scrutiny, prompting conversations that cross borders.
Her statement, “Being Black is so crazy,” seems to have resonated widely, encapsulating a sense of exhaustion many say comes from navigating spaces where they feel hyper-visible and unfairly scrutinized.
