What a story!

I am glad you are ok. How scary! And–I can’t believe that security guard.

This post will stay with me awhile.

second - i know that ralphs from my sc days … i’ve had more than a few friends run into some trouble there, esp in the evening. i am thankful things were okay for you .. and agree with one other commentor about writing a letter but i’d send it to corporate and cc the manager…if only to have your complaint on record.

I did think about writing a letter. The whole thing unfolded right underneath the manager’s nose. He was just standing there, counting money or something. Not sure what kind of response I would really get but I suppose it is worth doing.

The concession I most struggle with is the loss of freedoms–the whole idea that I can’t go to the grocery store at night. It’s like an imprisoning of sorts. But of course, I get why it is a good idea, but I especially chafe under those kinds of restrictions. When I lived in Chicago, I quite regularly walked on the streets that North Park security told us to avoid, and it bugged me how fearful students were made to feel about the neighborhood. But of course, I too got caught out one night after dark…only it was Chicago’s finest I had to worry about

Thanks for sharing your perspective and thanks for all your great blog posts of late!

What a scary trip… I’m sorry you had to go through that. Even though I can speak at length about White privilege (and so, I’m sure, could you) occasionally I see the flipside of it.

Obviously living in Portland is quite different than LA but during my time on the north side of Chicago, I became aware of how easily I felt assured of my safety walking down the street, strictly by virtue of being 6′ tall, 240 lbs, Black, and having no smile on my face.

There were only a few times during my 8 years there where I genuinely feared for my life, and one of those times was because I was deliberately held at knifepoint because some Latino wannabes thought I was a gangbanger.

But, like you, I was out late at night.

I hope you can still preserve your sense of empathy and compassion while still making prudent decisions surrounding your safety.

I remember being really indignant that, while living in Chicago, I couldn’t wear my hat tilted to the left or right because at the time that was a major set identifier. I was indignant because growing up in Portland the set identifiers were wearing either blue or red, and I resented the fact that I had to give up a style that I liked just because of others’ expectations.

But eventually I had to just wear my hats straight, because I didn’t want any trouble.

I know that being in your position means you’ll have to make some concessions for the sake of your personal security, even if it makes you wince inside (like locking your car door in an unsafe or unfamiliar intersection).

I pray that you will continue to let the Spirit lead you in those moments, and that He will preserve you in accordance with his will for your life.

Blessings to you and Doug…

JG

Thanks for the concern and care!