So, I've been so lazy and chose not to blog on yesterday, but I am determined to do a better job blogging. On yesterday, Monday Jan. 9, we had our first day of class and it was a day of introductions. It was cool. I would say. Professor Clark's seems like it will be a lot of work. A lot. Prof. Anklam, who is an editor for USA Today, seems like his class will be very difficult. I don't know; we'll see. Nothing I can really talk about regarding my class. I will be interested in how it goes. One thing I did want to point out is we will be focused primarily on the political side of D.C. Now, that is fine, because I do have to put into account where I'm living. However, I did bring out how in my goals here is to see the more cultural side of D.C. Yes, I want to experience the people here. I want to go out to shows, listen to the people's stories, dream with them,live with them, sing with them, 'occupy' with them, and most importantly understand them. Anyway so that pretty much sums up my day.
Today! WOW now that was an adventure. It was fun. I spent a lot of money going back and forth on the Metro, but it was an interesting experience. So, I went out to find a salon in the outskirts of the city and to my knowledge the salon was or the address was made up. I don't know what the hell went on but it happened. I found myself in what most people would call the ghettos. Any it was a beautiful experience. As I was walking, I found myself having the 'us' and 'them' mentality, and I had to stop myself then. These people are just like me - living. I actually stopped and had conversations with many of the people. They were too nice. I actually laughed with one of the women, because she could tell I was not apart of the area. (It was cute!) I wouldn't trade the experience for anything.
So, I remembered I researched some barber shops prior to me leaving. I at least wanted to get a shave before I started work, even if I did not get my hair redone. Anyway, I walked into Cut N Edge Barber shop, and it was such an awkward experience. I think the main barber who was Asian looked very confused when I walked in. I'm not sure if he cut many black people's hair or not but the vibe was not good. I think mainly because all of his customers had thin long hair and not kinky hair. Since the vibe was not good, I had to leave I just didn't know how. So I saw the sign that read, "Cash Only", so I used the excuse that I didn't have cash to leave. (I really didn't have cash) I abruptly left the store.
On the Metro I had to think that experience over. I came up with the conclusion that I had to put myself in the shoes of a white, asian, latino, etc. man who would walk into a black barber shop. How they would feel? How the barbers would react to them? or even the other black customers? Or for that matter how a black woman would feel if she came to get her hair cut. How she feels when the barbers or customers stare at her. I had nothing to complain about. So I just took the experience 'as is'.
Finally, I went to the area of town where I would find a lot of Howard students. I knew if I were to enter that area, I would be sure to find somewhere that would be willing to give me a shave. Immediately, existing the Metro I met two young ladies who were extremely helpful. (Ladies, thank you!) I asked if there were any black barber shops around. They immediately pointed me in the right direction. I found a shop and it was GREAT. The atmosphere was so AWESOME and the barbers were great, too. Not as good as MS (that's me being biased but oh well!)
When I arrived home, Rebecca (the WONDERFUL Australian girl I met on the first day) wanted to go out and do something in the city. So, we found ourselves going to Ben's Chili Bowl (one word: delicious). It's one of the places in the city that President Obama visited. Obviously, it is famous for it's chili, and it was really good. After leaving there, we went next door to Ben's Next Door to hear Mania sing. She's a local artist who has a beautiful voice. The scenery was so great. There were mainly black people there, so I'm assuming it is a hangout spot for Blacks in the area. It was very class, laid back, yet chic. It was just good.
And now I'm here back at my place very thankful that I don't have a room mate, because I'm pretty sure I would be disturbing him right about now. It's pretty late, but I wanted to share my thoughts. I had to. Anyway, if you read this I'm thankful and stay tuned. Be blessed, be free, be you!
No comments:
Post a Comment