So one of the neighbors called the cops on a young couple who are regular visitors from the other side of Conduit of Blight Boulevard. Usually these two come through the ’hood pushing their toddler in a stroller, presumably making their way from the depressing apartments to the west of us into the park, a much nicer venue in which to enjoy the company of a small child. They had a friend with them — maybe a relative, but because I think they’re Latino and he was decidedly of the African persuasion, let’s call him their friend.
This little group was doing nothing wrong. They were not peering into backyards. They were not stealing bicycles or potted plants. They were not fighting. They were not harassing anyone. They were just walking along, engaged in a lively conversation.
As they walked by the Funny Farm, all three dogs went screaming BATSH!T, because the passers-by were making a little noise — unusual noise, that is — especially Friend, who was carrying on about some event at the top of his voice, in that aggressive rap tone and meter that some people affect. The young mom, at one point, advised him to quit making a drama out of everything, which elicited a spirited defense of his personal approach to Life, the Universe, and All That.
They were not committing a crime. They did not appear to be about to commit a crime. They were not doing anything out of the ordinary. They were just…well…acting ghetto.
Apparently some of the residents here can’t cope with that.
Hence, not one but two squad cars. Yes. Four cops in two spectacularly marked sedans came cruising down the street after the three pedestrian desperadoes, to do…what? Give them a lecture on how to behave properly in Whiteyville?
Argh.
You know, there’s no reason to believe the young man was intentionally offending or even had any idea he was offending. The couple has moved through our space comfortably for weeks, and so he probably felt right to home. There are people that you recognize right off the bat as dangerous, even as immediately threatening — like the two felonious looking dudes with the bloodhound. But these folks were not that. That kid could not have scared me if he tried. Which he did not.
He wasn’t hurting anyone or anything. He wasn’t threatening. He was just being what he is: a goofy kid.
Here’s what I think about that: If you are going to live on the edge of a ghetto, you must expect to meet people, now and again, who exhibit ghetto behavior. They must expect to meet people, now and again, who exhibit up-tight whitebread behavior.
Get used to it.
It’s part of the Zen of living in a big city: you get used to the many different styles of its many different people. If you don’t like it, move to an HOA in the boondocks and commute to work an hour or two each way.
One of the few redeeming features of urban life is that it is interesting. The main thing that makes urban life interesting is the rubbing together of cultures: the coexistence of people with different viewpoints and different habits.
That’s why we live in the city.
Shaking my head. Our neighbor is one of those racist jerks. He’s the opposite of a gem himself, he’s a full on neighborhood nuisance, but felt in his rights to accuse a young black boy of being a thief because he spotted the for sale sign on the Jerk’s car, stopped to read it, and … that was it. He read a posted sign that was INTENDED to be read by the passing public and the Jerk threatened to call the police. It would be unbelievable except, well, it’s him.
Honestly.
Gaaaah! Is this the same jerkowitz that’s been giving you so much trouble?
Why on earth do people move to a city if they don’t want to live in a city? Jeez, Bubba…go get a trailer on ten acres by the bayou…
Hmmm….Similar situation in my ‘hood but race is not the factor…it’s behavior. My ‘hood is older with ranch style home built in the 60’s with generous lots…1/2 an acre or more. Up the way a bit is a new community where homes START in the $600K and the lots are….”petite”. Anyway it seems these fine folks have decided our ‘hood is the perfect “dog-park” and a side from the crazed barking…. these folks seem to feel entitled and that rules don’t apply to them. And therefore do not pick up their dog droppings…..which I get to walk in when I mow the grass or operate the weed wacker. Which is a TREAT! If these folks were “real neighbors” they would clean up after themselves or have their pets relieve themselves at home. As for your situation…setting aside the issue of race….IMHO we are entitled to “quiet enjoyment” in our neighborhood….not “library quiet” but a reasonable amount. I’m not a fan of loud expressions of enthusiasm…a few feet from my door….from folks I do not know and are not my neighbor…
Yeah…rich people surely ARE entitled. 😀 Hereabouts, they feel our neighborhood park should be their personal private dog park. They let their animals run free, so the rest of us can’t use the park. Ohhhh welll… There’s one “club” of pet lovers who meet every Sunday morning and let about eight or ten dogs run loose in a big pack. They think it’s very social and fun.
It would be nice if people would pick up their dog refuse. Hereabouts most “lawns” are gravel, which in the heat and dryness allows the dog mounds to dry up quickly. After a few hours, not much is left. The desert landscaping also makes it extremely EASY to pick up your dog mounds: you don’t have to dig it out of the grass.
I just read Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates. I think if more people read it, they would realize the kid is just a kid, and that he has a right to be a teenager, just like any other kid does. It should be required reading for everyone.
[clicks “Like” button] No one ever calls the cops on the kids in their 20s who live across the street…that would be the ones who party in the front yard and race up and down on unmuffled motor scooters all the time. Guess it’s because they’re OUR nuisances instead of THEIR nuisances, hm?
{sigh} We need to foster our tolerance, if not love, for ALL crazy young folks, not just our own set of crazy young folks.
There is some truth to the OUR nuisance theory. I have a neighbor from the down the street who comes by from time to time with his Australian Shepard. He is a good dog and the guy is in his middle 70’s….with failing eye-sight….diabetes….fainting spells….etc. From time to time his dog will relieve himself with me present and sometimes when I’m absent….Sometimes the guy cleans it up…other times it “alludes him”…. It’s at these times “I take one for the team” and clean up the “accident/oversight”. He is a neighbor of over 30 years and lives about 6 houses down….Not in his 30’s living a 1/2 mile away…..