Politically Strained neighborhoods-No where to run.
I had an experience over the weekend that brought the reality home. No matter where you live in Central Florida, the tension between neighbors of different races is very real. Diverse neighborhoods, which should be the ideal in any American city, is still more of a "you-take-your-chances" than a guarantee that you can enjoy your American Dream from the time you put out your welcome mat.
I saw it play out when I drove into a neighborhood to pick up an item that I saw on Craigslist. Because there were several phone conversations with the buyer beforehand, I already had formed an impression of him. There was an over-reliance on the word, "Sweetie" to try to establish rapport and each time he said it, it sent up red flags. All it did was convince me to wait until the weekend so my husband could tag a long.
The neighborhood reminded me of the one I grew up in. Small ranch style homes that met end to end and front yards that were well-maintained. The buyer's house was sitting on the corner and from the looks of it, he was still in the metal pickers business judging by the pile of junk that leaned against the waist-high chainlink fence. I call it junk, but I am sure he had a use for it, though whatever it was, it hadn't moved since google maps had 3D'd the neighborhood two years ago.
His next door neighbor was a black woman who was out mowing her yard. Behind her was a pit bull that was restrained by leash and tether. The man who was selling the item was a corpulent man, though the word "fat" did not immediately come to mind. He may have been a military man at one time. But that was just a guess. He was very lively and, again, searched for anything that would establish instant rapport. He inquired about our names and we learned that he was from Brooklyn.
I always find it interesting how people always look for commonalities when they first meet. I mean, what happened to the experiences that were common to all Americans? Why isn't that enough, anymore?
The dog barked when he stepped out of the house and he gave his neighbor a stern look. I have seen that expression before. I turned to see the neighbor's reaction. She glanced up and returned his look with one of distrust. Her face peeked out of a hat that flopped around the sides of her face. I have a hat like that too. It works like blinders on a horse, cutting out all the peripheral and allowing you to focus on the important things that need to get done. I waved and was rewarded when she smiled before she looked down again.
I never heard the word "Sweetie" once from the buyer while my husband was standing by my side. I don't know why these older men resort to these diminutive fall backs. I have even heard one use the word, "Love," as in "Hey, love." Each time it reminds me of an era that I wish I could forget. Back when men had a limited view of a woman's full potential.
We purchased the item and loaded it in the car and when we turned around I had one more moment with the neighbor. I waved again and beamed at her, wanting to say that I sympathize with her. I think she knew. She gave me a friendly smile and waved back.
On the way out I saw what I hadn't seen before. In at least two or three garages there were white men, all wearing hats with military insignia. Again, not dissimilar from the neighborhood I grew up in. Now that I think about it, though the kids on the street that I grew up in all got along, we rarely saw their parents together unless there was a big community event to see. Usually the event was sports related, which says a lot about community driven recreation.
But, it just goes to show you, no matter where you go in Central Florida, we will be faced with challenges to hold our ground and protect our American Dreams. Because surrender is not an option.
= new reply since forum marked as read
you are very good at this writing thing
serious
I'm the outsider in my pretty much all white neighborhood and we've been treated with suspicion and resentment since the day we moved in. I'm white too. I told the nosy old gossip across the street from me, that if I had known how awful the people in the neighborhood were going to be, I never would have bought my house here. I live in Michigan and I'm not leaving either. 
Guess I need to stop making excuses and give that tome another try.
Go for it!
