There’s a fine line nowadays for a lot of people in public of looking, if I may be so bold, crazy. I feel terrible for, but was also cautiously terrified by this man.

He has a severe nervous twitch or some other disorder that causes him to grip his legs violently, twist his feet and hunch his back. His face contorts as he fights back angry mutterings from somewhere he can’t control in a language foreign to his fellow commuters. Worst of all, if this man were white, he wouldn’t get more than a second glance anywhere on Seattle Metro’s free ride zone, granted, people would still probably find a different seat due to potential Pioneer Square BO. However, since he is Muslim people look overtly antsy. They’re watching his every move and he’s making a lot of them. When he reached for his glasses we were transfixed. Honestly, I feel awful for the situation I saw him in. He looks like a very proud man who has lived a good life based on his attire, grooming, and what I could perceive as a strong desire to fit “the norm”. I loathe that for a moment I joined the ranks of the society that I’ve fought so hard to not be a part of and felt fear. I loathe this to my very core. As we left the Light Rail, he galloped up the escalator, passing others half his age off towards his day. Sir, I’m sorry for my momentary lapse in prejudicial judgement. Hopefully the rest of Seattle will greet you with the smiles that were devoid on the faces of those around you on your train this morning.