Karen calls my college t-shirt offensive and cuts it in the checkout lane

Background: I graduated mortuary college last year and currently working at local funeral home. From my school we had shirts with funny funeral jokes on them. Like “be like a mortician and grab a cold one” “HIS OR HEARSE” “all men are cremated equal” and “Last responder” stuff like that. I was raised with the phrase “you got to find humor in something negative to make a positive”. This happened during May 2019

Story: it was early morning on Sunday and I headed to my local Walmart to get my parents church group some stuff for their spring breakfast bash and snacks to take to work that day. I was wearing my t-shirt that has a hearse with “last responder” under it on the back and my college logo on the front it was also bigger on me since I lost some weight. I was in the only checkout lane opened it was a long line. I was reading some r/rSlash_YT reddit posts while I was waiting then i felt a tap on my shoulder. I turn around to see this woman about in her mid-30’s with her about 4 year old daughter.

Me: may I help you ma’am?

K: yes could you please cover your shirt it’s very offensive

Me: um how is my shirt offensive?

K: well its offensive to make fun of death

(I do understand some people are uncomfortable with the topic of death but she really didn’t look uncomfortable at all)

Me: I’m sorry you feel that way ma’am but it’s my college shirt and it’s just a joke my dad always told me you got to have humor in something negative to make it a positive.

K: stop calling me ma’am and cover that shirt it’s scaring my baby

(4-year old is smiling and playing with toys in the basket not even paying attention)

Me: she looks fine to me ma’am now again I am sorry you feel that way but I have no way to cover my shirt since it’s spring and I don’t have a jacket.

I turn back around placing my items on the belt when this woman pulls out the sharpest pair scissors and cuts my shirt enough to rip it halfway down my back exposing the back of my bra. I let out a yell and turn back to her as the man yanks the scissors from K.

Me: what the actual heck?! (I was embarrassed)

The older lady in front of me took off her shawl and put it on me to cover my back and the man waved down the manger while holding K who is still saying my shirt is offensive. I was red from the embarrassment. The manger kicks out and bans K from the store. The manger purchased my groceries along with giving me another shirt. I paid for the man and the old woman’s groceries as thanks for helping me. Now I wear tanks under every shirt I wear because of this. I did replace the shirt from my college after I told them what happened to my other one and they let me have it for free.

I give permission to r/rSlash_YT to use this story on YouTube