This has been bothering me since it happened, so I’m going to write it down here.
Yesterday I went out to get groceries. I live about 3 blocks from a Thrifty’s, so I walk there whenever I go – if for no other reason than parking is impossible in their little lot.
I was about half way there, and was passing a little park. Homeless people normally gather there, and some sit by the sidewalk to beg.
I checked my pockets, but of course I hadn’t brought any cash with me, so I had nothing to give. The light was in my eyes, and i raised a hand to block it as i walked by.
From behind me, I heard a voice say:
“It’s ok, I don’t see white people either.”
That stopped me in my tracks. It’s true, I hadn’t made eye contact with him, because I had nothing to offer, and was not looking forward to explaining that. But I wasn’t trying to be like THAT. I was angry, then I was ashamed, and I stopped and talked to him, and explained that I was not trying to be rude, I did see him, and I would see him again on my way back.
I did see him on the way back, and I gave him a little money. But his words stick with me, I can’t shake them.