And So On...

Is post is an add on from my last post. You know where I was questioning whether or not I was representing my Nation or even if there was a need for me too.

This morning I was riding the bus with a bus friend. As bus friend is a person that you only see on the bus. And since you tend to ride the bus with the same people, over time you get friendly with them. I have been riding MARTA for 4 years now, on and off. I like riding because it’s good for the environment and saves on gas and aggravation. But I digress…

This particular bus friend is a female, and we ride all the way to my train stop together. We got to talking. She was telling me about something that went on in her church and asked me how I saw it. Okay. In my head I’m like, “Yeah. I must not be repping the Nation well at all that this chick who she and I been cool for a few years doesn’t realize that I am not a Christian.” I politely told her that I didn’t, couldn’t have an opinion because I don’t attend church. She looked at me like I just slapped her mother. I was fully expecting a tirade on how I need to repent from my wicked ways. But she said, “Oh you’re Muslim, right?” I can see getting confused for a Muslim. I don’t wear pants and I cover my head, though not the way Hijabis cover their heads. But no cigar. Although this morning, my hair was half exposed. I am wearing a beret and half of my locs are hanging from behind. I felt French. I told bus friend that I am an Earth in the 5% Nation of Gods and Earths. I received a blank stare for the effort.

I’m a bit spoiled. I am originally from NJ and in NJ folk know who and what the Gods and Earths are. Here in Metro Atlanta, not so much. I expect that from most people. And this conversation sparked another conversation that lasted until I got off the train. I explained what and how we teach. It’s is really hard to explain to the 85% that in calling the Black man “God” does not attribute to him the powers of their mystery god or that I have become some second class citizen by calling myself ‘Earth’ and not goddess. But I labored on, speaking to bus friend like a child, simply because that’s what she needed.

I am not sure what she got from the conversation. Time will only tell. But what I got was illuminating. And maybe that’s why it happened. She said that by just looking at me she would have never thought that I was anything different. That was kind of funny! She said I looked like everyone else. I was initially put off, but she explained it to me like this. She said that yes I cover my body, and she did notice that I cover my head, but I don’t do it in a way to make people uncomfortable or like I am an isolationist. Okay. I can live with that. She pointed out that even in what I am wearing today (A black skirt, a pink twin set and some boots) doesn’t look out of the ordinary; even with the beret!

This got me thinking. Am I supposed to look different? I know the only person who can answer that question is me. I’m good with how I look. I stopped wearing pants even before I was righteous. And I covered my head on and off for years. It’s the lack of weave and make up that was the most jarring, but folks (outside the Justice) haven’t had too much to say about it. So Do I feel like I’m representing the Nation? Yes I Do! I suppose I’m done with this issue. Until the next time.


Peace