Right now, society tells me that only African Americans should be afraid, and that us “white people” have nothing to worry about. Well, I greatly disagree. But, it has nothing to do with my race.

I’m afraid to drive down the road. Pokemon Go is such a pandemic right now, and believe it or not, people are actually playing this game and trying to drive. This may sound innocent at first, but considering it’s takes me twice as long to try to catch one pokemon as it does to sent one text message, I’m pretty concerned. Pull over to the side of the road or wait until you can give the game your undivided attention so you don’t put others, and yourself, in danger.

When it comes to “cat calling”, all women are annoyed with it. And you would think by now that men would know that it isn’t ok. But just recently, I got cat-called whilst trying to walk into the movie rental store. I was just trying to rent a movie and I can’t even be left alone. In this situation, it would have even been different if I was dressed up nice or something, but instead I was wearing a tank top and sweatpants. Since when is it ok to call some random girl “baby” and ask if she’s single in the middle of the night at a casual movie rental store?

With all the recent talk about race and the discussion over the police, and who’s getting shot, I’m honestly afraid of every stranger I encounter on the street. I won’t even take walks anymore by myself for fear that someone is going to try to rob me or hurt me. Even though I don’t live in a city well-known for its good behavior, six months ago I wouldn’t have been afraid to take a simple walk down the road. Now, I’m even afraid to walk down a well-known area, and an area that I use to walk every day after school.

I shouldn’t be afraid. This is my hometown, and I shouldn’t be afraid to drive down to my favorite coffee shop, go rent a movie, or take a simple walk. Honestly, what has this world come to?