To who may read this, just keep in
mind that Martin Barragan is a non-racist that is happy with whoever is around
him. Thank you
After many days, weeks, months, or even years, people get comfy to where and who they get put into in life. Its human nature for one to get into a routine that is easy and nice for them. But this all changes when someone, or something, comes into this routine to disturb people. This is where the idea of arrivals messing up the “neighborhood”.
Five years ago, my neighborhood was mostly filled with Hispanic, but since 2010, many of my neighbors have been losing their homes and moving out. These houses stayed unsold for about two years, until last year many other people of another race started buying these houses. I was very skeptical about it, seeing how we could never have the same relationships that my family used to have with my previous neighbors. That all changed when I stepped outside on a rainy summer day, and one of them said “hello” with a very thick accent. I wore a fake smile and said hello back. “You have a very nice house.” He said, and I replied with a warm smile. My last neighbors never commented our house; they were only worried about their own problems. These people kept this for months, and I eventually realized they became part of the neighborhood, coming over for parties, dinner, birthdays, and whatever the neighborhood had to offer. Now looking at this saying of “there goes the neighborhood”, I realized it’s not about that the neighborhood is going somewhere; it’s just the matter of where it goes.
After many days, weeks, months, or even years, people get comfy to where and who they get put into in life. Its human nature for one to get into a routine that is easy and nice for them. But this all changes when someone, or something, comes into this routine to disturb people. This is where the idea of arrivals messing up the “neighborhood”.
Five years ago, my neighborhood was mostly filled with Hispanic, but since 2010, many of my neighbors have been losing their homes and moving out. These houses stayed unsold for about two years, until last year many other people of another race started buying these houses. I was very skeptical about it, seeing how we could never have the same relationships that my family used to have with my previous neighbors. That all changed when I stepped outside on a rainy summer day, and one of them said “hello” with a very thick accent. I wore a fake smile and said hello back. “You have a very nice house.” He said, and I replied with a warm smile. My last neighbors never commented our house; they were only worried about their own problems. These people kept this for months, and I eventually realized they became part of the neighborhood, coming over for parties, dinner, birthdays, and whatever the neighborhood had to offer. Now looking at this saying of “there goes the neighborhood”, I realized it’s not about that the neighborhood is going somewhere; it’s just the matter of where it goes.
In many cases, human nature does involve rejecting change and difference as a first instinct!
ReplyDeleteIf my assumptions are correct, your train of thought was something similar to: oh, but we're so different— how can we get along? Such ideas can lead to a visible rift between two or more parties, which is why it may be so difficult to get along with the other. It's a matter of setting aside those differences to look at what— well— matters.
You had neighbors that were somewhat similar, but not as regarding as you would want them to be. You have neighbors that are somewhat different, but courteous nonetheless. Essentially, the neighborhood went toward a new direction that' wasn't entirely unpleasant.
Can this be applied historically? Certainly, it was not pleasant for the natives Had the explorers took those extra steps similar to your situation, present-day America could have the potential to be very different— but would it be possible? The circumstances aren't the same (with their priorities of land and religion and wealth).
I can relate to this! ( ANTONIO ARANA IS NOT RACIST) A few years back, a Puerto Rican couple moved into my neighborhood. I was like 10 during the time. I wondered, "What are they doing in a Mexican neighborhood!?" I felt a bit confused and felt a little anger.(I WAS 10 and I repeat I AM NOT RACIST)Long story short, it's quite normal to feel that way. Like Nancy said, human nature does involve rejecting change.I bet a million bucks that the Natives felt the same way when they first saw the explorers.
ReplyDelete