— from Tim Webster black man, father, veteran (USMC) —

My name is Tim Webster and I have lived on Orcas for 12 years. I am a Black man and known by many. People assume many things ( usually negative or violent) based on my skin color. It’s time to grow up America; and use these times as a learning opportunity. That being said, here are the details of my disrespectful and insensitive encounter.   

I went to the dump last week and upon approaching the booth window, was asked, “ how are you?” I answered honestly, “Nervous, confused and angry. Black people are still being hung in this day and age.” Which was met with, “Don’t be so angry, you should smile more.” I responded,”I have a right to be angry and there’s nothing to smile about.” Upon my return from the scales, I apologized for upsetting her and said, “No matter what, I love you Human Lady.” She said, “I love you too,“ on the verge of tears.   

I thought it had ended well. Incorrect assumption. Upon my return this past Thursday, as I went through the booth, as usual, I wasn’t asked about my current state of being. Instead, as I unloaded my trash I was approached by the young man (no mask) operating the back hoe. He said, “last time you were here you yelled at  ——  and made her cry.” Textbook presumptive positioning.

I responded, “ I didn’t yell at her and she probably cried because it was an emotional conversation.” Why are you approaching me like this if you were not part of the original  conversation? You’re offending me and being very disrespectful to me as a Black Man. With what’s going on the world right now you need to check yourself.” His response was a smirk. I told him “Now I AM yelling. You’re not thinking about what you’re doing right now and continuing to disrespect me, you should go back to work and shut the F@#! up.”  I then calmly unloaded my trash and proceeded to weigh and pay. 

I asked booth lady what the young man’s name was and told her he had overstepped some boundaries. I reiterated what he had said and again the situation centered on HER emotions. She said ” You made me cry.” I said, “Good, you need to express your feelings. I at no time yelled at you” she replied “Well , you have a powerful voice.”  I responded “and I will continue to have one until things change, your staff needs sensitivity training and you need to read White Fragility, it’s a real thing”.  

I feel tokenized and projected upon. I should not be targeted or expected to do all the work for other races that don’t understand Black Power.  It is outside civil norms to be approached in such a manner during these pivotal times. I feel it was more than the usual micro aggression  in this case.  Usual weapons to quell the overwhelming sense of discomfort that much of the white race is challenged with recently must change.  How this was handled showed deficiency in emotional intelligence and cultural literacy. I vehemently urge  training.    

The future of this nation should no longer be built on the backs of the Black in the blood of the Red. Respect and recognize the history of this land. We have built this country, defended your rights and truths despite your actions towards us. Due diligence is the minimum requirement. Being white doesn’t equal qualified immunity. I demand a reformation of educational curriculum to include cultural studies that not only detail the customs and standards of other races, but highlight the atrocities thrust upon them by whites. Every culture should be aware of its FULL history, not just its victories and accomplishments. This shows who we WERE ,who we ARE and who we WILL BECOME.

Be the change that makes America what it has always claimed to be but never truly tried to become. Never forget what you’ve done to get to where you are now. 

Reconstruction demanded.

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