Are We Really That Bad?

Just miles from my current school is a gas station which I will leave unnamed. My lunch hour consists of a trip to said gas station with a friend. As always, I am a paying customer for all goods I desire from the store. I find myself to be quite honest in my daily life. Here lies the problem: why am I always pictured? While browsing the candy isle after selecting lunch from the respective section I proceed to take a candy bar from a box on the shelf. With my 90 degree turn towards the counter to pay for my goods I am greeted with a menacing gaze from the Indian store clerk. I continue to pay where I am asked to agree to be searched by the on site security officer. Knowing my pockets contain nothing against any store rule or law, I agree. I am searched an nothing is found except for my wallet and cell phone/MP3 player. The clerk and security officers look relieved. It was not until leaving the store that I started to ponder the motives of the clerk. Am I to be judged because of my age? Am I to be judged by the manners of others? Here lies the racism embedded into our society. I am a Caucasian American with a clean criminal record who pays for his goods yet due to the actions of others I am pictured as a thief. I question my actions in that store. Should I return the glare and picture the clerk as Apu? Should I comment on the number of explosives he has in his store? I am a strong believer that respect should be given as it is received. I will not output my respect towards someone who is not willing to do the same.