Cliff Notes - When I'm dressed professionally, people of all color, even white men and women, acknowledge and treat me with respect. It has even granted me a few privileges I feel I wouldn't have otherwise received if not for the way I carry myself.
I'm 27 and just recently started back school (2 more years to go) and I dress professionally daily. Nothing fancy, a button down or polo, slacks, bow tie or regular neck tie. Sometimes I'll throw on a blazer or vest. But I've noticed something. People tend to acknowledge/respect your more when you carry yourself in this manner. I know this is no shocking fact, but it was an interesting experiment being at a PWI.
Was walking to class one day and one breh just randomly gave me the "wassup" head nod. But we do that all that time so no big deal.
Another day, I was walking and another breh smiled and gave me a head nod followed by a "good morning". Peculiar.
If you've ever attended a university, you know student drivers are rude because everybody is trying to rush to get to where they are going. But every time I'm about to cross the street, they stop and allow me to cross.
They never do that for any other students.
Had a cute girl smile at me when we made eye contact as we were walking toward one another.
When I get on the campus bus and it's full, I see people shifting their purses or bags to allow me to sit down.
I noticed they really don't do that when some other random person gets on. They just have to stand up during the bus ride until a seat becomes available.
My Professor knows me by name and struggles with other students name.
Was at the store today and an old white lady stopped and asked me was I the manager. Then at the same store, this other white lady randomly started a convo with me as I was about coupons or something. Also the white lady who was in front of me told the cashier to put her 10% off on my purchase.
White women never talk to me. Never. I was intrigued.
White boys on campus randomly give me the nod when walking passed me.
These two older white women on campus (probably alumni) were power walking and they both smiled and spoke to me. I watched them walk passed other students and they only spoke to one other girl.
Plus all the stares and smiles I get from women on campus. Even some drivers in cars would nod at me if we make eye contact as I'm walking.
Not saying I'ma big shot or anything, just a very interesting observation.
I know some of these could be random coincidences but it happens every day in some form or fashion.
People treat you much better when you consistently dress like you are about your business. I know black women acknowledge you more in this case but I was surprised by the response I get from white people too. Any one else have these experiences?
I'm 27 and just recently started back school (2 more years to go) and I dress professionally daily. Nothing fancy, a button down or polo, slacks, bow tie or regular neck tie. Sometimes I'll throw on a blazer or vest. But I've noticed something. People tend to acknowledge/respect your more when you carry yourself in this manner. I know this is no shocking fact, but it was an interesting experiment being at a PWI.
Was walking to class one day and one breh just randomly gave me the "wassup" head nod. But we do that all that time so no big deal.
Another day, I was walking and another breh smiled and gave me a head nod followed by a "good morning". Peculiar.
If you've ever attended a university, you know student drivers are rude because everybody is trying to rush to get to where they are going. But every time I'm about to cross the street, they stop and allow me to cross.
They never do that for any other students.
Had a cute girl smile at me when we made eye contact as we were walking toward one another.
When I get on the campus bus and it's full, I see people shifting their purses or bags to allow me to sit down.
I noticed they really don't do that when some other random person gets on. They just have to stand up during the bus ride until a seat becomes available.
My Professor knows me by name and struggles with other students name.
Was at the store today and an old white lady stopped and asked me was I the manager. Then at the same store, this other white lady randomly started a convo with me as I was about coupons or something. Also the white lady who was in front of me told the cashier to put her 10% off on my purchase.
White women never talk to me. Never. I was intrigued.
White boys on campus randomly give me the nod when walking passed me.
These two older white women on campus (probably alumni) were power walking and they both smiled and spoke to me. I watched them walk passed other students and they only spoke to one other girl.
Plus all the stares and smiles I get from women on campus. Even some drivers in cars would nod at me if we make eye contact as I'm walking.
Not saying I'ma big shot or anything, just a very interesting observation.I know some of these could be random coincidences but it happens every day in some form or fashion.
People treat you much better when you consistently dress like you are about your business. I know black women acknowledge you more in this case but I was surprised by the response I get from white people too. Any one else have these experiences?
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