I was walking around the city the other day, minding my own business, in what is widely known as a historically White, affluent area. Think of it as the Jewish equivalent of Harlem. So, I was be-bopping around as I usually do…headphones in, taking a moderate stroll in the middle of the day. I walk up to a corner after crossing the road and I spot what appears to be a mom with her daughter who had long, fire-red hair. Personally, I’m a fan of gingers…I mean, how can you not love Little Orphan Annie?
Isn't she cute?
They look like they’re embroiled in some big mommy/daughter debate as I walk by so I smirk to myself and keep it moving. But, just as I pass (like literally 6 inches from the girl) she whips her head around in some Exorcist/Willow Smith type action, stretches out her arm…and points at me…then laughs…hysterically.
Yep, that's more like it.
W-T-F?! Now look, I understand that a young man with an afro isn’t really what you see everyday. I get my fair share of double-takes every now and then and I’ve pretty much accepted that. However, I was not prepared for little Annie’s reaction to my mane.
Truth be told, after the initial shock of someone literally singling me out in public, I began to chuckle to myself. Later, I thought…I wonder if she’s ever seen someone with an afro before? I took it all in stride but might have said something to her mother had she not began to scold her.
Has anything like this happened to you? Have you experienced a (public) negative reaction to your hair?