It's really sad when a black man can walk right pass a black woman and not speak and vice versa. So, today while on my lunch break, I went to a donut shop to play the lottery and then next door to a hamburger place. A brotha walks in the donut shop less than two feet behind me. I turn around to leave, I smile and say excuse me to him only to have no response. I walk next door to the hamburger spot, he walks behind me. I sit down; he sits down a table away.
Are you guys keeping track? Second store, second encounter and no smile, no greeting just eyes. I walk up to the counter talking to the lady cooking my food, only to turn around and see him staring at me. Still no smile, no hello, nothing just eyes. Now not to be conceited, but I had my stuff together. My dress, shoes, purse, hair and make-up were on point. I had a smile on my face from laughing at a comment the lady made, so nothing on me displayed attitude, stuck up or anything negative. Wouldn’t you know as I walked out, I saw his reflection in the window turning around watching me walk out of the door? Obviously, he saw something good enough to do a double take on. Why not just say "hi"?
What happened to common courtesy, what happened to speaking just from one black person to another in passing? The funny thing is that I am so married...happily married, so all he could have done was speak.
We as black men and women should have more respect for each other and all that we have in common. This behavior is a learned behavior and a behavior brought on by unpleasant experiences. So ladies, the next time you are walking pass a brotha, speak to him and keep it moving. One thing we have as woman is the ability to set the tone in just about any situation. So as the leaders, teachers and caretakers we are, let us change this behavior. Generations of scars on both sides can begin to heal starting at "hello".
Thank You, my sister. Just as God spoke things into existence, so can we speak love and respect into our own people. It first starts with a thought, and then the action. But, if the thought is not innate or taught from childhood, then all future of US, the black man and woman will disappear.
ReplyDeleteThanks Tasha, well said
ReplyDeleteApril
I guess i can start doing this. Sounds relaxing. I never know how to hold my face when walking down the street and our black brothers always say smile life ain't that hard. And i feel bad because i am smiling inside but not outside. I always assumed that i would look psychotic if i walked down the street smiling. So i guess I will just find that healthy balance and smile and speak to people in passing.
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