There's an implication in this post I want to respond to. At least I think there is. Kholt, please don't think i'm an idiot who clutches at her purse when a black guy approaches. I'm not insensitive and I"m not mean!
At all times, in NYC, my purse, which is on a long shoulder strap, goes across my chest. It can't be snatched w/o a sharp knife or dragging me down the street. Like you, I walk to send the message it's probably a better idea to target somebody else. In poor neighborhoods (especially), one is taking an unnecessary chance if one stops at a light with one's purse visible on the car seat and one's doors unlocked. I don't pop down the locks in sight or hearing of groups of young men because I understand the message that would send.
It's vulnerability to any male I avoid. I don't get alone into an elevator with a strange man, any man. If a man gets on at a later floor and I"m alone on an elevator, I get off. Not only does race not enter that picture, neither does anything else. It's a safety rule.
I am remembering that I have, without incident, stayed on elevators a couple of times because I didn't want to offend a black guy. It's what my sister did, essentially, and I think it was unwise of me to violate my own rule.
Probably if a guy wearing a dinner jacket and carrying a dozen roses taped to his walker got on, I'd stay put.
It's true I don't think in terms of negative vibes, but please believe that I am a polite person who really would be loath to hurt someone's feelings! |
