Do I Really Look Homeless? (a mini essay about life, looks, and public transit, all in one post!)

Today, I looked at myself in the mirror, comfortably dressed in my Cal Berkeley hoody and sweat pants, and was forced to ask myself some really hard questions.

Indeed, my mind wandered back to a most interesting and unusual encounter that I had while riding the bus this past December (and yes, many of my most thought-provoking experiences happen here).

Let's paint the picture:

I was on my way to the airport, luggage in hand, and struggling to get myself and all my loot onto the bus. And yes, I just happened to be dressed in the all-too-familiar Cal Berkeley hoody and sweat-pants ensemble. What can I say, I made that look famous, and we all have a similar version of it. However, in my opinion, I carried with me an air of confidence that seemed to whisper…I AM: 100% ‘au-natural;’ down-to-earth; casually trendy; ready to hit the gym and clock in a 6-minute mile; easily mistaken for a Nike or Adidas model, effortlessly working every angle while dressed in head-to-toe lycra. Yup, that was the look I had hoped to portray.

However, my visions of Nike super models were suddenly squashed as I took my seat. I felt my body being prodded by the stares of an older English woman who was giving me the “once-over” glance. You know the kind, where they try to size you up without you knowing it. Maybe I wasn’t showing enough leg or maybe my sweat pants were, in reality, a far cry from sexy, hip-hugging spandex. Whatever the case, this woman began chatting it up with her neighbor about the high rate of homelessness in the United States, referring to myself as the object lesson of the hour. (Yes, we’re still on the bus. And yes, everyone can hear the conversation). I didn’t really make the connection that I was being dissed by this woman until her neighbor spoke out in my defense, explaining that I was a student traveling home for the holidays and not a bum. However, the English woman was not easily convinced. And I was too amused by the whole thing to fight her. So I remained homeless for the time being.

The woman then proceeded to explain to me, quite matter-of-factly, that outside of the United States in developing regions like Africa, homelessness isn’t an issue. She suggested that we (meaning people like me) should move to Africa (Zambia being her recommendation) in order to have a more prosperous life. Yes lady, we absolutely SHOULD move to Africa--let us first cast aside the part about extreme poverty and the fact that many people’s homes are tin shacks or mud huts. (*disclaimer--see comment f). But again, I was simply too amused by the woman to take her seriously, so I nodded my head and started talking about the beauty of Zambia. You see, I’ve learned a thing or two about riding the bus with slightly whacked-out passengers; it’s best to just roll with it.

Let's ask the introspective questions:

All fun and games aside, let’s not forget what sparked this intense bus-debate in the first place. Oh yes, my outfit and appearance. Granted, I was getting ready to travel across the United States and was understandably placing comfort over style. But I can’t help but wonder, did I really look homeless? And should I care?

Let's take it a step further--do looks and fashion really matter all that much?

My thoughts:

a) Even if I did look homeless, I think I’m down with that. In all reality, it fits my personality a little better than the alternative. My heart goes out to those who get glanced over and written off every day. They are my heroes, so I'll consider it a privilege.
b) There’s a time and a place for dressing down and for dressing up. In fact, I pride myself on being able to comfortably do both... in public. But either way, what you wear isn't nearly as important as HOW you wear it. (For the most part. And I still do have a soft spot for people who are stylin' ). Strike a balance, take care of yourself (because you're worth it), work what your mama gave you, and be okay with it. But at the end of the day, there ain't nothing better than being comfortable in your own skin.

c) The next time you’re riding the bus and are tempted to judge someone else by their appearance alone, remember Sarah. And think twice.

Other related take-home thoughts:

d) Don’t take anyone on the bus too seriously.
e) I appreciate innocent by-standers who stick up for people like me while riding public transport. Thanks neighbor-lady for pleading my case as a traveling student and not a bum.
f) I actually wouldn’t mind moving to Africa. The continent is bursting with an over-looked beauty that just can't be matched. I’m just not going to move there to relieve myself of homelessness.

and g) My love of public transport just shot up tenfold.

When the English lady finally understood that I had a home in California, of which I was heading to, she got uber excited, gave me her business card, and asked me to send her a post card with Arnold Schwarzennger on it. Now that my friends, is the beauty of public transit.

Let's ride in style!!