Today I set out on two missions: 1) to try to interview Butch, my favorite barber and 2) try and find some organic shampoo products. Having no luck procuring an interview, I instead set out to locate Dr. Bronner's and Burt's Bees items in order to concoct the ultimate shampoo. First, I tried the local beauty supply store on 8th Street SE. All I came out with were the two 8 oz. bottles needed for my mixture. I then traveled down and across the street to Yes Organic Market, where I found some Dr. Bronner's Baby Mild Soap and some loofah body scrubbers as a bonus.
My next stop was just across 6th Street to the CVS in search of some Burt's Bees. The soap was not related to the mixture, but much needed nonetheless. The Dr. Bronner's soap is to be added to some pure tea tree oil, which should combat my dry scalp. Again, the Burt's Bee soap is an extra item on my shopping list. Upon entering the second CVS store (located at 500 12th ST SE 202-543-1555) things get surreal. I ask the first woman I encounter with a badge on, who it tuns out, is the manager. Her name is Caroline. She looks me up and down and directs me to the Burt's Bees display.
No luck, so I check out the soap aisle. I then notice another worker, a middle aged black woman like the first employee, scrutinizing me. As I exit the store both women stop me saying the security camera saw me lift some Burt's Bees products. I'm thinking "WTF? Don't do this to me." Like I'm her 4 year-old grandson, Elisha finger points me to empty the contents of my "trench coat pockets". C'mon, I've heard of DWB, but SWB?" But I calmly comply. I think to myself " This store MUST get hit up a lot for Burt's Bees products". They are THE BOMB.
It gets worse captivated reader. After I empty out coat items (Flip camera, iPod, water, and granola mix), I'm told to put the contents of pant's pockets (keys, wallet and phone) and the plastic bag from Yes onto the counter. I look up, find the surveillance camera, lock my eyes while neatly placing items on counter. I even give up the receipts. Elisha comments "that sure is a NICE camera." "No, it isn't. It's a 100 dollar camera." I look up at the camera again. I smile and wave, despite the fact my hands are now shaking a bit. No stolen Burt's Bees contraband is found. I finally ask, "Hey manager lady, is this because I'm a black man?" She replies, "No. That has nothing to do with this." I laugh. "Then what does?" I collect my stuff while eyeballing the eye above my head. I look at Elisha as I exit the store. I have to ask: "I guess I shouldn't wear a trench coat any more, huh?" "No, you shouldn't" was her reply. You learn something new everyday.
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