Dooley Noted: 9/13/2013
Coach Harris: Dooley, you can’t throw shade!
Dooley: I can’t?!
Coach Harris: No! It looks goofy. It’s not Dooley.
Man, Coach Harris knows when to call it.
On the subway yesterday, some very well-dressed females eyeballed me as they discussed my Vibram five finger footwear. They threw their shade.
As I made eye contact with them, I considered throwing it back. Then I realized the truth:
We are a reflection of our perceptions.
If I threw back their shade, all I would be doing is solidifying their assumption that I was “weird” or “different.”
But I know the truth.
When they look at me, they have their fun. I went through this in grade school, high school, and in college. And as seen yesterday, it still carries over into life – even in an accepting place like New York.
So, they had their fun. But I represent their perception of me that I cannot – and do not – strive to change.
But I know the truth.
I am their bravery. I am my own woman, not conforming to fashion rules.
I am standing while they are seated. I am writing and contributing to the universe while they gossip.
I hope these girls end up filling the world with the warm they can provide. Until then, let them throw their shade.
Meanwhile, I’ll choose the sun.
– Dr. Kathy Dooley