I stand out as a minority here. Especially in my first few weeks, I was always surprised when I saw another white person. I found myself torn between wanting to acknowledge them- Hey, look, I'm white, too!- and wanting to avert my eyes and dissociate completely- You don't exist. I'm the white person here.
Now it's just a quick note in my head, such as this morning while jogging: Is that a white dude up ahead? Yup, white. Don't stare. Only just as I was turning off the path to head to the pull-up bar, he swerved in the same direction and we came to a stop in front of the bars right at the same time. I cracked up at the thought of how it might have even looked like a synchronized white exercise routine from the outside. Then I exchanged my first knowing smile, nod, and "Hey" with a fellow Caucasian and tried not to feel too self-conscious as we did our respective work, side-by-side on the bars.
Charming. Racial magnetism either brings out that territorial side or the humorous comfort. I'm usually the only black person at my job or out at certain events (rock shows, etc.), and when I see another person of color, as I was raised, I acknowledge them with a gesture, unless I get that "don't talk to me just because we're black" hastily broken eye contact. It's interesting to see that from your perspective! I know this moment well.
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