The Devil Wears Black and So Does Everyone Else

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I moved to the US in 2010. I had never been in the country, therefore my only knowledge of the place came exclusively from movies, books, and TV series.

I was working in North Philadelphia and living in the center of town so I was taking the subway every day to commute. I was immediately warned about North Philadelphia: it is a challenging neighborhood. Every day my colleagues were commenting on how dangerous it was. In addition, I received almost daily emails from my workplace, informing us that something happened that day and it was never good. Someone was mugged, raped or even killed. The offender was a black guy with a hoodie. Practically, every other person in North Philly.

I got very scared. I tried to walk as fast as I could to and from the subway. I did not interact with anyone. Indeed, I kept my gaze down at all times. I was very careful to leave when it was still light out and never after 6pm.

Then days got shorter and work got busier so unfortunately one day I had to stay until 7pm. I felt very uncomfortable and I strongly considered asking a security guard to escort me to the subway station. I even thought of getting a cab. But in the end, I decided to walk.

I walked very fast and when in proximity of the subway, I kept my head down and my steps long. When I arrived close to the entrance of the subway, I noticed three tall black guys (wearing hoodies). Once they saw me, they started to shout and make weird gestures. I still remember the panic and the sprinting to reach the subway as soon as possible. I was very happy when I made it in one healthy piece at the entrance. However, I soon realized that I got on the wrong side: that specific one closes at 6pm.

I had to go back! Same panic, same speed, same heartbeat.

Once I got out, the guys kept shouting at me and this time, I had to stop for a traffic light, so I could hear them. One of them said, ”We tried to warn you that that side was closed, but you probably did not hear us!”

Yes, I did not hear you.

Among all the stories I have collected in the US in 15 years, this is the one I was thinking of today. I thought about it because I thought I was dealing with a devil, but was I?

I still would be very careful in North Philly and I would not attempt to go around by myself when dark. But nowadays while I run away from what I believe is the devil, I ask myself, “Who and what am I not seeing? Who and what am I not hearing? Who am I actually running from?”