Went to my gym today, as I do five times a week when I’m home, and was surprised by the manager in the midst of my tricep sets. He asked me to stop by and see him on the way out. I asked why.
He said that another member had singled me out for having harassed him. That this other member had told him that I’d looked at him, and then purposefully drawn my thumb across my neck. And that such behavior would not be tolerated – that it would cause me to lose my membership.
I was sufficiently stunned to remain silent for a moment, then said, “That’s a lie. Who said that?” He looked at me for a beat, then replied, “Well, maybe he mistook you for someone else.”
“Where is he?” I asked, “I want to talk to him.” “Well, that’s not possible. But we have surveillance cameras, and we’ll look at the tapes and see who’s telling the truth.” “He’s lying,” I said, “and he should be willing to look me in the eyes.” “Well, that’s not going to happen, but we will monitor the situation.” “All right,” I replied. “But I’m asking you to tell him what I said – that I am requesting to talk with him – whoever he is – face to face.” “That’s against company policy,” he said, “but please let me know if you have any problems.”
He walked away. My eyes started scanning the room. Over and over again.
For those among us who wonder why so many people have taken to the streets, I offer this cowardly little episode as an example of what’s been unleashed. I’ve been going to this gym for more than five years; practice good manners as a default; and someone now is trying to have me excluded.
Please think about this, when you’re trying to make your own peace with the scared and deeply troubled hearts of Non-White America.
