Who cares what people think!
I often sit on some steps in front of my building to read. Sometimes my mind is clearer with the fresh air.

I get weird looks from passersby. Some people look afraid when they see me. Some cross the street. Others trip over the protruding sidewalk tiles because they are trying to watch my moves through the corner of their eye.

I wonder if they would view me differently if I read from a physical book instead of my kindle app on my Android phone. Is a black man with a book less threatening? I also wonder what goes through their minds as they pass.

Maybe things would be different if my clothes were different. All black everything and a snapback cap can be intimidating.

While writing this post a fight broke out down the street. I heard a lot of screams and saw a lot of cell phones. No clue what happened but a bunch of brown faces fighting in the street. It involved some Seven-Eleven workers and a group of some other people. I guess the other group was waiting for the light rail. All I could do is shake my head.

I guess I can’t be mad at the people that walk by. This is Baltimore, the city of perpetual back watching.

You always have to be aware of your surroundings because you never know.