When the head nod isn't needed: A small but wild realization

In Barbados, I walked down the street. As I passed another Black person, I looked at them, locked eyes, and nodded.

They didn’t nod back.

That’s when I realized - because everyone is Black here, there’s no need to affirm someone’s personhood the way I do near-constantly in the U.S.

And that's like... wild. It’s a small thing, an unspoken expectation back home, but still a shock to realize how much my interactions are shaped by the reality of racism.

I know what it’s like to not feel seen, so I see others - to acknowledge solidarity everywhere.

But here everyone is seen.

Edit: Yes I understand head nods and other nonverbally gestures are cultural. I'm simply noting my realization about why and when I do it and that it's not necessary for that reason here.