I always say something like, "I can't reach. Could I beg your help please." And finish with profuse thanks and a comment about shrinking. I had never seen any signs of offense be either black or white. But when someone who speaks for 98% of a group announces it's the zenith of bad character and ugliness for a white person to ask, even politely, for help, I get the message.
I always say something like, "I can't reach. Could I beg your help please." And finish with profuse thanks and a comment about shrinking. I had never seen any signs of offense be either black or white. But when someone who speaks for 98% of a group announces it's the zenith of bad character and ugliness for a white person to ask, even politely, for help, I get the message.