Originally Posted by
escapefromphl
I came out of Bart Civic Center up the elevator a few weeks ago, and there were 6 or 7 sketchy characters just hanging around the entrance. Face and neck tattoos with hoodies sketchy. I definitely got a vibe I haven't had too often in SF, I used to feel safe enough when I lived in the city, maybe I'm just too used to Marin. But on the other hand, one or two companies have left the mid-market area over employee security concerns. Maybe it's perception but I wouldn't recommend Mid-Market for families.
I think the "sketchy" characters you're describing used to characterize the entirety of the Haight-Ashbury (and to some extent still might LOL). Theres nothing inherently sketchy about wearing a hoodie or having tattoos. They're just very different from you and the people with whom you interact in your daily life. But that doesn't make them dangerous or unsafe or even problematic in the slightest. It just means you FELT uncomfortable because of this experience being different than what you're accustomed to. (And in Marin, that's not surprising.)
It is your perception. But you weren't in any more danger despite your discomfort. You might not have FELT safe but that has little to do with the fact that you weren't actually unsafe.
This same discomfort with that which is different is the basis for all prejudice. You're not alone.