Show me some teeth!

It's something I've noticed before but never really gave a second (or third) thought about until recently. I noticed it on campus. I've noticed it in my apartment building. It caught me by surprise at the slightly utopian Lotus Fest that I could only find three or four of them out of the hundreds of people who crossed my path that Friday night.\nI'm talking about a smile -- a simple human gesture of friendliness that dates back to the beginning of time. When a man dressed in mastodon fur named Ugg discovered fire, the corners of his lips curled up into a happy shape as his hands got toasty. Soon, he would realize that all of his meat tasted better when dipped into the orange light.\nWhen a college freshman finds out he can download music and porn at the same time on his fast new Internet connection ...\nI digress. But you get the idea.\nIdeally, a smile would be infectious and spread to everyone around, making the world a better place, stopping war and ensuring everyone has an ice-cold Coca-Cola to drink.\nOn IU's campus, I don't know whether it's because I'm a male, I'm black or because people think I'm a weirdo that they don't return my happy face.\nDo I really look that intimidating? Or is my smile that of a serial killer rather than a college senior? On the one hand, I wish someone would tell me what's wrong. On the other hand, if something really is wrong, ignorance is bliss, I think.\nLadies, when I look up and give you a grin, be it a silly one or a sly one, I'm just being friendly. I'm not trying to size you up, look down your shirt or search for signs of attachment. If you don't believe me, ask me again in three months. I'll still say hello even when you're hidden behind a scarf and a North Face fleece.\nMen, when I say hi to you or nod in your direction, I'm not trying to sell you something. Nor am I gay (an issue for some, but not all). \nFor all you East Coasters, I know it's standard procedure to stare straight ahead and not bother anyone. But this is Indiana. We have time for you, I promise. \nFor all you small-town folk, welcome to a slightly bigger small town. We won't hurt you. In fact, some of us will be rather curious about where you come from. There's no stoplights in your town? Use that line at a party and people will crowd around you for more stories of heartland Americana.\nFor those of you from Indianapolis (like myself), hide your disdain for your home state and be happy anyway. You'll miss the pretty autumn leaves when you go to live in warmer zones. Christmas lights on palm trees just won't have the same effect.\nFor all you wonderful international students, please don't duck and cover when I glance your way. I don't bite, I don't have fleas and I've gotten all my shots!\nIn finality, this writing is all about pleasantry. If you have some pleasantry, share it. You might make someone else's day. You might be the boost they needed to get through that damn history class. You might meet a nice guy or girl to go out to pizza with.\nBut in my own grandiose view of self importance, you'll make me happy.\nYou'll make me happy, and I'll do my best to return the favor.\nSo smile for me. Show me those teeth. Show me some vitality.\nPretty please?