This week I was not allowed to use the restroom that is only steps away from my office.

I remember when I was in grade school in the 1960’s and walking home with a friend, there was a gas station about halfway whose restroom had a sign that said “Whites Only!” My friend wasn’t white. I didn’t understand that then and I don’t understand this now.

It is apparently still okay to put people in their place; to overtly, blatantly, screamingly remind people that they are less – purposeless, meaningless, defenseless, worthless, powerless.