The Invisible Man

In "The Invisible Man" (not the science fiction novel by H.G. Wells) the African American author discusses the idea that some people are "invisible." They are looked at, but not "seen." They are treated by strangers almost as if they are not there.

The other day at school, a young student and advisee of mine looked at me as we passed each other at the entrance of the library. Only when I greeted him did I see recognition in his eyes- I had been up until that moment "invisible" to him.

Perhaps this is just one of the discernible changes that seem to come with reaching one's 50's.