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Everyday Chances for Fear and Hate — Crime IRL
Are we all not entitled to live a life free of hatred and fear? When is it ever alright to impose your will on others?
Today I walked to the store down the street from my place to pick up a few things. On my way back, a man in a cargo van asked me to come over. I politely shook my head no and continued on my way.
I have a rule to “not die” by where I never go near a van (or most other vehicles) when a stranger calls me over.
On more than one occasion in the past, I have gotten in on my passenger car side and climbed over the driver’s seat. All because a strange van has been parked next to me.
So today, I was not going to break my rule.
Again he called me to come over, now opening his door. “Come on, just give me a minute.”
I firmly said no and started walking faster, which was hard to do since I was nursing a sore foot.
That’s when the shouting started. This man who had already scared me began screaming obscenities at me. Including “you fucking white bitch.”
I continued hoping to run into someone else. All the while, the shouting continued. “What, you afraid of a black man?”
I had my house key clutched in my hands. Praying I wouldn’t have to try and defend…
