Stereotypes

I was taking the "T" (subway), Red Line, to work this Monday. I enjoy taking the T to work for many reasons, but mostly because it means I don't have a super stressful commute, driving the lovely streets of Boston. It gives me a change to read the paper, read a book, nod off a bit; all things you can simply not do in a car. (Disclaimer: I am NOT a good person when I drive in this city! I am mean and unhappy and can even be rude; I know this may come as a shock to you, but for those of you who drive in Boston you know what I mean right?) Okay, back to my story. So I am now visibly pregnant and am excited about the "perks" of being pregnant like how strangers can be extra nice to you. When I got onto the T on Monday I did not have a seat, this is not uncommon during rush hour. However there was only a handful of people standing in my car. I look around and I see many business men going to work, dressed nicely, sitting down comfortably. Some of them see me and are just not willing to give up their seat. I am FINE with this because, even though I may be pregnant, I am a woman and I do not NEED to sit down, I just think it would be nice to see some manners.
So wouldn't you know it, the last person I expected to offer me their seat does, not that I consciously thought that this person wouldn't give up his seat, but once he did I was a bit surprised. It was because out of all the Caucasian businessmen sitting there, this was the only African American gentleman with baggy pants, his hat tilted to the side and big head phones on. He was the one and only person who offered me his seat. I have noticed that African American men are more partial to my body type and perhaps that is why he recognized me, but perhaps not, perhaps he just saw a cute pregnant lady standing up on the T. I realized that I had made a judgment thinking that he wouldn't give up his seat before more of these "civilized" business "men"; boy was I wrong. I was a bit ashamed of myself as I thought about this because I am a social worker for crying out loud and I like to think that I have a very open mind and that I really try not to judge people. It opened up my eyes to remember that it is always something I need to be aware of, and make a conscience effort to avoid.