Backpack stigma

I've a twin sister. Identical samesies save our personality. She ain't neeer' as weird as I.

Regardless however of her life style.... successful marriage, picket fence, excellent parenting skills ...

She's been on a gypsy thrift store grunge bender style wise... That 70's Show...

With a back pack.

Upon meeting a friend at this steak joint...she stubs her toe on a bolt sticking OUT the concrete entry way.

Previously held a stand alone butt can.... cigarettes.

They steal those.

She face plants and crushes her phone screen...lil boo boo scratch...

Manager comes out.... explains the bolt, having it removed...blah blah ..

Ends this tutorial with ..you know we don't allow panhandling ok?

Oh ..she became unglued!

Lots more to this story...

But if you see someone walking carrying a backpack.... perhaps older than a student...

What's your first thought?
.
🤔

🥷☕

bijouxbroussard · F

I rarely carry a backpack now, but I used to when I was both taking graduate courses, and an instructor at my company. I was in my thirties and forties at the time. It was very convenient for toting all the textbooks and papers involved. So when I see someone with a backpack, regardless of their age, I don’t assume. 😊

Speaking of assumptions, I try to walk daily, and post-walk one day I was resting on a bench about midway with a cup of coffee…I realized I’d left my phone at home.

Tourists and folks we used to call "Yuppies" wander through our neighborhood, lots of shops, boutiques and cafes here.

As a yuppie passed, I asked him, "Excuse me, do you know what time it is ?"

He stared blankly, then pulled out his wallet, peeling out a $5 bill.
I forced myself to smile and told him gently,

"No, no, thank you— I’m fine ! I just wanted to know what time it is. I forgot my phone."

Then he was embarrassed, apologizing profusely, and told me the time.

After he left, I thought about it; I was wearing jeans, my Nikes, a plain tee and a cardigan, all clean, no makeup but combed hair. I didn’t think I looked like a panhandler, but who knows ? 🤨

Punxi · F

@bijouxbroussard No oddball...well...but I could read about you for hours.

Truth.

Societal assumptions define what is normal...or natural in every social situation or human condition. But sometimes individuals, or even entire social groups, possess attributes that do not match the socially defined natural states however.

Even when attire is equated .

ShepherdBard · 31-35, M

I carry a backpack often so I don’t think much when I see non students carrying them. It makes things real convenient if I am going to be on foot for a long time.

Sounds like she should sue. I wouldn’t be that mad in that situation until the manager talked some BS but that would probably set me off