Shocking Treatment: Disabled and Black at Glengary Massage Center…read more
I don't have video evidence, but I got the full Karen experience. As someone who respects the challenges of small businesses, I waited a full month to calm down and speak directly with Ed, the owner, whom I've known for over 30 years, before posting this review. I wanted to determine if my experience was a one-off bad day or something more systemic.
After discussing it yesterday with Ed and his wife, Sara (not sure of the receptionist's real name), it became clear that Ed did not share my concerns about his business's reputation. His advice to me, a patron, was to "get over it because racism no longer exists in this country." Yes, he went full TRUMP MAGA. I find Ed to be completely spineless.
To summarize my experience: A mutual friend who used to work there recommended Ed to treat some of the chronic effects of my Parkinson's Disease. I called to make an appointment but stopped by the place I remembered as a safe space in Sarasota. I am a 6'2", 255 lbs (down from 310 lbs over the last six months) African-American man and a graduate of the FSU/Asolo Film Program in 1992. I am relatively well known as a cultural activist, serving many roles over the last 34 years. Living in Bradenton, it was a long drive for me to Sarasota, especially with Parkinson's. I now know my weight loss was creating sudden drops in my blood pressure, also known as hypotension. Large drops can be life-threatening. In fact, hypotension contributed to my mother's untimely car accident that caused her death. Thankfully, my cardiologist has now reduced my hypertension meds to level me out.
As I pulled into the parking lot, my phone rang. It was the receptionist. I confirmed my appointment for 7/11, but something about her tone made me uneasy. She seemed upset because my speech was slurring as I struggled with severe Parkinson's symptoms at that moment. I was experiencing tremors, a sudden drop in blood pressure, excessive sweating, drooling, muscle rigidity, and bradykinesia. (Bradykinesia means slowness of movement and speed, or progressive hesitations/halts as movements are continued.) I had the presence of mind to ask if she was calling from the center, but she lied and said she was off-site.
Racism is like the Supreme Court's assessment of pornography--you know it when you see it or, in this case, hear it. If I had known she was at the center, I would have left immediately. However, I felt unsafe driving, so I went in to relieve myself and get a cold drink of water. It was like an oven outside.
As I walked into the patio area, I heard a disembodied voice yell, "We don't have any openings today." Realizing she had lied, I replied, "I know, ma'am. I just called," and continued towards the entrance. As I opened the door, the receptionist suddenly appeared and snatched the door out of my hand. Bewildered, I tried to adjust my pants, which had started to sag. It's better to tighten my belt than let them drop. Remember, I, like many people living with PD, have bradykinesia, so all my fine motor functions are slow and difficult. During my meeting, Ed made much to do about me struggling to keep my trousers up. Apparently, trying to re-notch my belt is a massage center no-no--an unwritten rule I didn't know about. Can you imagine what would have happened if my pants had dropped in front of this rude white woman? Yes, I was scared and desperate to keep my trousers up.
In physical distress and unable to stand or walk, I sat down to gather myself. I could hear the receptionist saying something was wrong with me, but she offered no help or concern. I sat for a few minutes before pulling myself together and leaving. I then went to Massage Heights in the Landing, where I received professional care.
On my way to Massage Heights, I received a call from a Sarasota Sheriff Officer. Instead of asking if I needed help, the receptionist had weaponized the police. The officer, who had seen me leaving the center, apologized, saying he didn't believe I was a threat. He even suggested I might want to file a civil complaint.
Ed and his wife offered no apology. Karen even doubled down, criticizing my behavior. She clearly should not be in a public-facing role in a healthcare environment. If I had collapsed on the scene, she'd have to talk to a judge and not be so snarky. Karen, please learn this lesson: not every Black man is a threat, especially paying customers. When in doubt, try to apply basic humanity first before locking doors and calling the police. Try something like, "Are you okay? Do you have a medical issue? Can I help you?"
Lastly, it is clear Ed is a spineless man. During the encounter, he popped out of his massage session and said, "I know him," to Karen before she called the police Karen rules the house and business. He did not have the courage to stand up against her. No, I won't be going back.
They must post a sign: "Beware of Spineless Owner's Karen Wife."
