Racist Statement of the Year?

My wife overheard the following conversation while at the pedicurist here in Rio the other day. The exchange happened with not an ounce of malicious tones in the voice of the customer - it was as if the two were old friends, save for the actual content of the conversation:

Black employee: You don't need to stand there! Why don't you sit?
White customer: No, it's Ok - I'd rather stand.
Black employee: No, please, have a seat!
White customer (with a warm, friendly smile): No, it's OK. It's good to keep my posture correct. If I sit, I'll end up all hunched like a monkey - like you.