A 5:45 am wake up call is not the way many people wish to begin their morning. However, knowing that the day would include white water rafting made getting up much easier. Casually getting ready and heading for some breakfast, I heard Dr. Harris knock on Feeney's door informing him that the bus had arrived. Laughing to myself thinking that she was fibbing trying to get him out the door quicker, I did not move much quicker. Just after I sat down to eat and drink my coffee, I was told to hurry because the bus really was here. Gulping my coffee down and swallowing my cereal without chewing, I ran out the door.
After everyone finally boarded, we picked up another crew and headed for the mountains. Sleeping for the entire three hour journey, I was happy to arrive. We were served breakfast that included pineapple, rice and beans, coffee, eggs, and toast. We then boarded for another thirty minute drive to head for the rapids. As the last few people were loading onto the bus, the seating arrangements seemed to cause tension.
Our group was scattered about the bus leaving some random seating available. I sat in the second to last row along with Tamera next to me and Mallory across the aisle. Marcus' location was directly behind Mallory in the back corner. As the last family boarded the bus, the mom sat opposite Marcus (behind Tamera) and her daughter sat next to Mallory. The dad then boarded and sat next to the mom. Throughout this process nothing seemed off, until the second daughter searched for a seat. Though there was only one seat to choose from, this teenage girl anxiously looked for any seat but the one between her father and Marcus. She spun in a few circles and was very hesitant for a good thirty seconds or so even though her mother kept telling her to just sit down. As I stared at the situation shocked at what I had just seen, I glanced at Marcus who in turn simply shook his head. It was extremely obvious that the girl did not want to sit next to Marcus because of his skin color. Though undue awkwardness was caused, we noticed, said nothing, and proceeded to the rapids.
We had a great time on the water. It was just cold enough to be refreshing but not too cold that we were freezing the entire trip. My raft included Mallory, Stephanie, Tamera, Sydney, Shannel, myself, and our guide, Roberto. No one fell out, though we did jump out to swim some. We all managed to work together quite nicely allowing us to sail down the river. We stopped for lunch about three hours into our journey. Though it was extremely simple, it was extremely delicious. We were given the option of tortilla or bread and a multitude of toppings to choose from. I filled mine with lettuce, turkey, and cheese. After my second tortilla and some delicious pineapple, I was absolutely stuffed. We managed to make our way down the river safe and sound, but as we approached our final destination, we were all saddened that the trip was over.
Our group was scattered about the bus leaving some random seating available. I sat in the second to last row along with Tamera next to me and Mallory across the aisle. Marcus' location was directly behind Mallory in the back corner. As the last family boarded the bus, the mom sat opposite Marcus (behind Tamera) and her daughter sat next to Mallory. The dad then boarded and sat next to the mom. Throughout this process nothing seemed off, until the second daughter searched for a seat. Though there was only one seat to choose from, this teenage girl anxiously looked for any seat but the one between her father and Marcus. She spun in a few circles and was very hesitant for a good thirty seconds or so even though her mother kept telling her to just sit down. As I stared at the situation shocked at what I had just seen, I glanced at Marcus who in turn simply shook his head. It was extremely obvious that the girl did not want to sit next to Marcus because of his skin color. Though undue awkwardness was caused, we noticed, said nothing, and proceeded to the rapids.
We had a great time on the water. It was just cold enough to be refreshing but not too cold that we were freezing the entire trip. My raft included Mallory, Stephanie, Tamera, Sydney, Shannel, myself, and our guide, Roberto. No one fell out, though we did jump out to swim some. We all managed to work together quite nicely allowing us to sail down the river. We stopped for lunch about three hours into our journey. Though it was extremely simple, it was extremely delicious. We were given the option of tortilla or bread and a multitude of toppings to choose from. I filled mine with lettuce, turkey, and cheese. After my second tortilla and some delicious pineapple, I was absolutely stuffed. We managed to make our way down the river safe and sound, but as we approached our final destination, we were all saddened that the trip was over.
This evening was a good one. After arriving back at Hotel Milvia, we all decided to stay in. I had left overs while a majority ordered, yes, pizza. Because my leftovers were not very good, Marcus let me have a piece of his pizza. Between all the random bites I had from people, my hunger was satisfied. After dinner, Shannel and I worked on our discussion leader questions. We managed to get a good deal complete. I then had the opportunity to talk to Sarah some about the day. I informed her of what happened on the bus earlier that day and wanted her opinion on it. We talked for a little bit, and she made me feel much more comfortable with the class in general.
Today I learned that stereotyping can really affect someone. The young girl's association of a negative connotation to black men was subtle. However, I noticed it without anyone saying a word. It made me furious at myself that I have gone my entire life ignoring these types of events while they probably happen to Marcus multiple times a day. By taking notice to this, I proved to myself that I have grown in the short amount of time that I have been here. I am now more determined than ever to pay attention to instances similar to these and keep myself from participating in them.
I saw this on my own. No one influenced me. i just knew marcus saw it too by his head shake.
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