Naddy

Yesterday, an interesting thing happened while I was out in my neighbourhood walking my son for a good hour or more (covered, in a stroller – I was hoping he’d get some sleep), visiting various shops, running errands. Before describing it, I offer two bits of background information as (possibly relevant?) context. (1) I am black. (2) I live in a neighbourhood where there are very few people of my skin colour as residents. Ok, here’s the thing:

* * *

I’m approaching two young (mid-to-late teens?) African-American guys, sitting at a bus stop, chatting and laughing good-naturedly. As I begin to pass them, nodding a hello as I push the stroller along, one of them stops me.

Excuse me sir, may we ask you a question?

Of course, what’s up?

We are curious. Are you a father, or a nanny?

I smile at this, and respond.

A father.

Thank you, they say, and I walk on.

* * *

So that’s the interesting thing. I offer it without further comment to make of what you will.

-cvj

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36 Responses to Naddy

  1. Clifford says:

    Thanks Jennifer! Indeed, as I commented above, I also did not interpret them as having a negative intent, but who knows. I gave them the benefit of the doubt. Cheers, -cvj

  2. Jennifer says:

    Gut reaction – you, Clifford, are awesome. Just how good and yourself you are. A good example for me, those young men, or anyone else. Just be kind, polite, and yourself. Not doing any meta-anything, responding from core.

    Somehow I doubt they were messing with you, and probably were truly curious because of the two facts. But I have no idea because I’m not them and wasn’t there. No matter, somehow I like the interaction, even though I wish that the question would never enter a person’s mind.

  3. Filux says:

    This is how you should have reacted: