Being White in Philly

This is kind of interesting.  An article written for Philly Mag about white people's take on the socio-economic downtrodden ghetto neighborhoods full of black people.  Honestly, while most people may think it's bold, I think it is a lame article.  We all know there is a faction of people that act that certain way that makes you cringe, walk on the other side of the street, or feel awful for having loving parents. They aren't always black.  Ever been to North Philly?

What I want to happen is a community shift.  I want communities to come together and start supporting the public schools so that a mom who works four jobs, or one who just doesn't know how to be actively involved, can put their kid in a place where there are role models who support education, values, and breaking the cycle.  I want there to be a center where there are sports, arts, music, and a general loving atmosphere where kids can hang out when they aren't in school.  I want the rich kid and poor kid sitting side by side, talking about life.

We need to break the cycle.  This article won't do that.  Exposing the real culture that accepts bad behavior, ripping off the government, and committing crimes will.  Waking people up, getting people talking about how they really feel may.  People need to get involved, from both sides of the tracks, before anything changes.  It can't just be white people talking about black people.  It's gotta be humans talking about humans.

How do you feel?