Can't we all just get along?

So I just have to say that people are incredibly judgmental. For the past nine months I have been skirts-only in public (I just love my pajama bottoms too much at home to give them up). This by itself has caused certain looks from many strangers, esp in the winter when I pair it with tights or leggings and close-toed shoes--very stylish. Fashion has never been a strong point or something I've really cared about. Frankly, nor has the opinion of how other people view my dressing habits. At work I wear a variety of shirts, including t-shirts on some occasions. Keep in mind that at work I also have to wear brown steel-toed shoes. And yes, even there I wear a skirt. These days, usually coupled to knee-length thick socks so no skin shows and it is as though I was wearing pants according to our safety guy. I was feeling nostalgic and so one morning this week I put on my yeshiva t-shirt. On the front it says "Ani *heart* talmud torah", but written with hebrew characters. The back has a few things in Hebrew too and gives a plug for the yeshiva. I guess I looked a little odd. Each element on their own was fine, put together a little mismatched, I admit. Then again, it was something I was comfortable in and something which fit my mood and something I was accustomed to. Sometimes I forget that not everyone feels the same way. A few people at my work are not at all surprised by my attire any more and don't even pay attention. Being a lab rat, I don't see many of the office staff. The 'outside guys' are in gray uniforms and yellow tyvek suits daily and well, are guys, and hardly notice what I wear unless it is something somewhat fancy (which is rare working with chemicals and all).
A little background--I work in Commerce City at a hazard waste facility. Very blue collar. Very Christian-ish. For many of the guys, I'm the first Jew they've met. (side note: I try to take that role pretty seriously and represent as best I can. I try to use education to alleviate ignorance and uncomfortableness. And a smile and willingness and openness to talk). Anyway, on this particular day I wandered into the office area more times than usual. I got so many non-verbal disapprovals I was a little shocked. The shirt had a red heart on it and someone said "your shirt says you love new york". I was little on edge so it wasn't great to get teased, but I basically blew it off.
Since it is Pesach and that means I'm eating a lot more fruits and vegetables than usual (the original atkins diet I think), I had to go to the store that evening and buy some more fresh produce. I forgot to change out of my work shoes, but otherwise looked as I normally would and felt just fine walking into a store. No reason for embarrassment. I have many mixed feelings about what came next. The looks I received earlier in the day alerted me that I stood out a little; they were only looks. People too shy or fearful of confrontation to say anything. This was not the case when I walked into a store (in keeping with my idea of l'shon hora, I will not divulge information about the person or the place, except to say it was located near where I work). Someone yelled out "Go back to your own country, we don't want you here." I was intentionally run into from behind with someone's cart and when I looked back I rec'd a look that said, "Oh yeah, what are you going to do about it? So I hit you, you deserved it" The eyes, the head bobble, the stance with the hand on the hip. I had no need for words to understand their meaning.
I was really hurt and offended and shocked and frightened and saddened and angry and combative and vulnerable and volatile and humbled and proud and thankful. Amazing how many emotions I went through while checking out my "10 items or less". No words were exchanged between myself and cashier--none whatsoever. I've had some time to digest this event and it is settling with me about as well as matzah.

I don't understand--I feel like a little kid when I say that. Or when I hear in my head "Why are people so mean?" I'm whisked back to my childhood. Just because I don't dress the same. Just because I know a language other than English and show that. Just because I love being Jewish and am not ashamed to hide it. Just because I am an eclectic dresser. I am judged. Just because.

(this has inspired me to really put down my thoughts on skirts and visual identifications. for now it's late and I'm tired; I hope to get to that in a couple days)

Until then, shabbat shalom a tad early. I hope it is one of peace and wholeness. I know it will be a struggle for me this time.