When I was 9 years old, I was into the whole wanting to be a black gangster thing, so of course I owned multiple fitted hats. I bought a white LA one, a white NY one, and a black NY one. The first time I wore the white NY one out in public, it was at a mall with my family. I was standing next to them talking, and next thing I know I felt something hit the brim of my hat. I took it off, and turns out someone from the floor above had spit a fat one on my hat. First time wearing it out! 9 years old! I didn't really have any reaction to it in the moment, whether from confusion, incredulity, or timidity, but I'm sure it had some long-term effect on my personality and life. I wonder if they had any reaction to seeing me turn up and realizing I was a kid instead of some adult New Yorker.

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