I had a bumper sticker once that said, “Friendly neighborhood liberal.” I was harassed on the road on a stretch of I-40 just shy of Greensboro, presumably for said sticker. And someone flicked a cigarette butt on the hood of my car at a stop sign while my young sons were strapped in their car seats.
I took the sticker off.
I had an Obama sticker on my car. Someone violently ran me off the road into the shoulder by the Harrison Avenue exit on Wade Avenue in Raleigh, just a few miles from my house. My sons were in the back seat as this maniac tried to harm us.
I took the sticker off.
Today, I took an afternoon walk, as I do most days while working from home. I was listening to a podcast about Mr. Rogers and empathy. The irony will be palpable in a moment.
I was about 10 minutes from home when I noted a red pick truck in front of me. My instinct told me to pull out my headphones and pretend to be talking on the phone. I was too shaken to make my fingers work to actually call someone. The truck was driving toward me and slowed down. The driver glared. The truck turned around and pulled up right next to me, driving dangerously slowly as I walked, nowhere to go with him on one side and parked cars on the other. I was on the only small patch without a sidewalk for my whole three mile walk. This is a busy area, brimming with the activity of cyclists, construction workers, and dog walkers. He was looking at me, not saying a thing. I didn’t look up, knowing that eye contact could be my demise. I picked up my pace to turn on to a sidewalk where he couldn’t trail me. He drove off, surely feeling like a big shot. I called Mac Daddy, shaking and grateful for my sunglasses to shield my eyes, and tears mixing with sweat running down my face. Every step home felt like my legs were maneuvering through viscous slime. My heart was crumbling. I came home and collapsed into my husband’s arms.
This is America. In broad daylight in a busy, urban area, this man in a red pick up truck felt emboldened to harass me. I’m five feet tall, 100 pounds, barely a threat to a country mouse. Yet he felt power by intimidating me when I was simply out for a walk on a beautiful spring day. Funnily enough, I had just texted the photo below to some friends telling them how I had felt a bit uncomfortable when I passed a house with a bunch of Trump signs in the yard. I had intentionally redirected and crossed the street. I was wearing this shirt, a gift from Bird that he knew I’d love.
I’m not taking it off.
You are a warrior, and I am forever proud to be your friend.
And, fuck that guy.
And everyone else like him.
They are not OUR America.
Almost daily, I see evidence of our society breaking down. This is the second instance for today. You’re strong, and we need the strength of good folks more than ever. Abide.
I’m so sorry, Ilina.
Idiots are feeling bolder these days, spewing their hate into the world.
Know that you are a light. A powerful force that ignorance cannot erase.
Sending you hugs!
So so sad that this happened to you. He is an Asshole…wait, a scary asshole!
Oh, Ilina. I am so angry and sad. How dare these assholes treat you this way when you are the best our country has to offer. I love you.
This sucks. I’m sorry it happened to you.
#notmyamerica
I love you. I’m so sorry this happened. You know I’m with you for change.
What Nicole said.
So sorry. Did it happen in our. Neighborhood? I have always wanted some of those things that you throw in the road to stop the car.
I do not understand those kind of people. Sending love.
Much love.
This is so scary and disgusting. I shudder to think that your life is in danger this way in the richest country in the world. Bad politics had put the country to shame and insecurity. Take care. We are so worried Ilina. It has to end.
I’m sorry. This sucks. I have to say that I feel hateful when I see Trump bumper stickers….I would like to flip them the bird…but I don’t. I certainly don’t try to drive them off the road. If I’m by myself, I might say some choice words, but I don’t yell them out. Why? Because I know better. I believe in being civilized. I have enough power in my life to not have to get power in such a silly way. What is it with these people that they have the calling to act this way? Perhaps their leader is their model.
Wow. What a bleeping creep! I’m so sorry this happened to you, Ilena!