I am not above overestimating my own significance, and this tale may illustrate that point. On the other hand, it may also (or instead) illustrate a temporary character flaw worth raising for any general value it may have as a cautionary tale.
On my way to the medical building the other day, where I had to get a blood test, I had a number of pleasant exchanges with folks I encountered, including three black people. In that regard, it was a typical day. When I entered the lobby of the medical building, however, I veered a little out of character. I lament the incident for what it might have meant, not for what it necessarily was.
Traversing the busy lobby, I encountered a good deal of different people, many of whom I acknowledged with a smile. Then, a tall, thirty-something, dark black man with a shaved head and a very handsome appearance, impeccably dressed in an expensive tan suit and turtle-neck, came striding my way. I avoided looking him in the eye. I did not want that type of encounter at that time. I imagined getting a hostile glare from the man, the proud man of unknown anger encountering my version of "the man." I know that was a faux pas, an instance when, depending on that gentleman's outlook, I could have inflicted a slight with a sting. I regretted it almost immediately, but the moment had passed.
In the days leading up to my blood test, I had a sharp encounter with a cheeky, black client, who was claiming prerogatives he didn't have. I was also looking forward to the weekend's football games, among the most promising being Dallas visiting Philadelphia, the return of everybody's favorite pain in the ass, Terrell Owens, to the stadium whose team he almost destroyed. So what I did was to stow my courage and possibly slight a man who could have owned the lab I was going to!
