Since my layoff I've been able to closely observer the hoody hoo during the day.
Unlike previous years I've been a little surprised about how quiet it's been (thank you Chicago Police for beefing up the Hyde Park High School patrols) and how diverse our little piece of paradise has gotten.
That's just a nice way of saying where did all of my white neighbors come from.
I try not dwell on this subject even though I've written several posts about it, but anyone who thinks race dosen't continue to be an issue in the greater metropolitan Chicagoland area is trying to blow sunshine up your skirt.
Just today driving down Stony Island I was wondering where some of the white people I saw walking down the street came from.
Let me explain and give you some background.
When I moved down here in 2001, the University of Chicago had officially abandoned it's mantra cautioning people from going south of 60th Street. It was believed that traveling anywhere south of that boundary would be dangerous for it's students, faculty and staff.
Despite the reversal of policy, old perceptions die hard.
I quickly discovered that after a long day of moving and unpacking, I couldn't even get a pizza delivered.
At the time Peapod did not service my area.
It was made clear by the greater business community and most of the Hyde Park establishment that Woodlawn really didn't matter.
Fast forward six years and a different tune is being played.
While I still jokingly refer to Woodlawn as Hyde Park's ugly step sister, we are starting to get some love.
Apparantly that also translates into who now calls Woodlawn home.
I was taking a disco nap when the moving of furniture across the floor woke me up. I knew that my new neighbor(s) had arrived.
As usual I planted myself outside on the front balcony and almost passed out.
Sweet Fanny Adams, my new neighbor's white.
Jesus take the wheel.
I'm curious to know if she knows that most of us are of color and if that will be an issue. I don't anticipate it being one but people are strange.
And no I don't anticipate it being an issue with anyone who currently lives here.
I wonder if I should introduce her to the Cake?
Perhaps I should start with a "welcome to the association" and build from there.
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I'm going to guess she knows that she knows her neighbors are of color. Unless she moved here from another city, into a neighborhood she knows nothing about, I think she knows. I'm guessing she doesn't care, and is far more worried if others are going to mind a white lady on their block. Been there, and done that.
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