Fresh out of college with a bright future as a teacher ahead of me, I found myself on the threshold of another rite of passage: buying my first new car. My old ride, a trusty 2001 Ford Focus, had begun to experience transmission issues, and I wanted something reliable, efficient, and modern for my daily commute. With this in mind, I asked my boyfriend, Will, to accompany me to a local Honda dealership. We had no idea that this seemingly straightforward task would evolve into a lesson about societal prejudices.
Entering the dealership, I was filled with a mixture of excitement and anticipation. Almost immediately, a balding, slightly overweight salesman in his early 50s approached us. His nametag read, “Derek.”
“Good morning! Looking to buy a car, young man?” Derek directed his question squarely at Will, his gaze barely acknowledging me.
Before Will could respond, I interjected, “Actually, it’s for me. I’m interested in the Honda Civic.”
Derek raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Are you sure you don’t want something a little more… easy to handle?”
Ignoring the obvious condescension, I responded, “Yes, I’ve done my research, and the Civic fits my needs.”
He continued, pressing on with a smirk, “Do you know how to handle a manual transmission? They can be tricky for those not familiar.”
Will, sensing my growing frustration, tried to ease the tension. “She drove her old Ford Focus with a manual transmission without a hitch,” he shared, trying to assert my capability without overshadowing me.
Unfazed, Derek continued, “Well, the Civic comes with a lot of new technologies. Bluetooth, a Pandora interface, things that might be a bit… complex for some.”
I took a deep breath, trying to keep my cool. “I’m well aware of the features, and I’ve done my homework. I just need to decide between the trim levels.”
Throughout the conversation, Will’s face reddened, reflecting a mix of embarrassment and frustration at the salesman’s overtly sexist approach. He squeezed my hand gently, a silent show of support.
Not one to be easily deterred, I continued to ask pointed questions about the car’s specifications, ensuring Derek understood that I was not to be underestimated.
The test drive was the clincher. As I expertly maneuvered the Honda Civic LX Sedan through the city streets, shifting smoothly and making use of the “advanced” technologies, Derek’s earlier condescension was replaced with a begrudging respect.
By the end of our visit, the keys to a brand new Civic were in my hand. As we drove off the lot, Will turned to me, “You handled that brilliantly.”
Smiling, I replied, “Buying a car should be about the car, not outdated prejudices. Today was a reminder that stereotypes are just roadblocks, and I won’t let them dictate my journey.”
That day, I left the dealership with more than just a new car; I carried with me a rejuvenated sense of self-worth. While biases can crop up in the most unexpected corners, armed with self-assurance, knowledge, and the backing of a supportive partner, we can navigate beyond them to reach our goals.
See Also — Shopping for a Vehicle: Dealership vs. Online Buying
Adobe stock photo under license.
