It happened to my parents living in a white suburbia.
It happened to my aunt living in a million dollar home on acres of farmland
It happened to my classmate living in a private college campus dorm room
But when my house was burglarized, it was supposedly because I am living in a "bad" neighborhood. People said it was inevitable, and "what did you expect living there"?
My prominent feeling after the event wasn't of fear, or of violation. But of disappointment and a strong apprehension about telling my friends and colleagues about the occurrence. I didn't want to reinforce the stereotypes they have about my neighbors and I didn't want to add to their anecdotes and warnings. I was embarrassed to inform those that didn't think we should have moved here in the first place, to fan the flames of their fear.
We have good neighbors--warm, loving people that care about each other. We are invested in this community and it is invested in us. There are certainly serious issues regarding marginalization and crime that need to be addressed. But to assume that we are pathologically criminal does a disservice to the good character of our neighbors and the systemic injustices that create the problems of an inner-city neighborhood.
The police suggest folks should move out of the area, but isn't it their job to keep ALL citizens safe? Do we not deserve to live in security as well?
We have good neighbors--warm, loving people that care about each other. We are invested in this community and it is invested in us. There are certainly serious issues regarding marginalization and crime that need to be addressed. But to assume that we are pathologically criminal does a disservice to the good character of our neighbors and the systemic injustices that create the problems of an inner-city neighborhood.
The police suggest folks should move out of the area, but isn't it their job to keep ALL citizens safe? Do we not deserve to live in security as well?
It happens everywhere and might have happened anywhere, but when it's here, they say
we had it coming.
in the "for what it's worth" category, when I googled 'burglary' looking for images for this post, almost all of the pictures were of white men. Same for the Brinks/ADT/Broadview commercials I have seen. Interesting...
ReplyDeleteIt also happened to four college students traveling in a station wagon in San Francisco...
ReplyDeleteHope you're okay post break-in, and thanks for your reflections!
hahaha! yeah...we should have known better than to leave all of our earthly position in a car with all windows! oh well. Interesting how it is more funny now that it was then...I am sure this will be the same way in time.
ReplyDeleteAll things considered it wasn't too bad...after all it isn't like we have that much to steal! Damage to the entry point, a stolen laptop (more about the data than the money), and a couple of other odds and ends. Could have been worse.
It's powerful that disappointment was your strongest feeling. Disappointment with the neighborhood? The thieves?
ReplyDeleteI appreciate you using the picture with the silhouetted guy for the robbery image.
Praying that you a sense of peace returns to you and your house.
Not at all disappointed with the neighborhood. I love our neighbors and our community. It is working hard and looking up.
ReplyDeleteDisappointment with the thieves, I think. As in, "please don’t contribute to what people think about our neighborhood. Please, don’t give people a reason to discriminate anymore than they already do. I’m trying to talk this neighborhood up and defend its reputation and make it a better place, and you’re not helping my case, here!” --haha
And disappointment in a hope differed. I know things are getting better and I know the south side is a great place to live. Though, I am forced to remember it is a slow process, "a longing fulfilled is a tree of life." (Proverbs 13:12)
When folks visit, or when we sell the house down the line, it would be nice to be able to say “yeah, we know the neighborhood has a reputation, but we’ve never had an issue! You’ll be fine!” I feel like the thieves ruined that. Obviously I can still say something similar, but now there has to be a qualifier. Disappointing.
Does that make sense?
Hi Katelin,
ReplyDeleteI'm reading and learning from your blog. Thanks for writing.
awwww....thanks!
ReplyDeletehahaha! yeah...we should have known better than to leave all of our earthly position in a car with all windows! oh well. Interesting how it is more funny now that it was then...I am sure this will be the same way in time.
ReplyDeleteAll things considered it wasn't too bad...after all it isn't like we have that much to steal! Damage to the entry point, a stolen laptop (more about the data than the money), and a couple of other odds and ends. Could have been worse.
Not at all disappointed with the neighborhood. I love our neighbors and our community. It is working hard and looking up.
ReplyDeleteDisappointment with the thieves, I think. As in, "please don’t contribute to what people think about our neighborhood. Please, don’t give people a reason to discriminate anymore than they already do. I’m trying to talk this neighborhood up and defend its reputation and make it a better place, and you’re not helping my case, here!” --haha
And disappointment in a hope differed. I know things are getting better and I know the south side is a great place to live. Though, I am forced to remember it is a slow process, "a longing fulfilled is a tree of life." (Proverbs 13:12)
When folks visit, or when we sell the house down the line, it would be nice to be able to say “yeah, we know the neighborhood has a reputation, but we’ve never had an issue! You’ll be fine!” I feel like the thieves ruined that. Obviously I can still say something similar, but now there has to be a qualifier. Disappointing.
Does that make sense?
awwww....thanks!
ReplyDeleteDiscernment process: preparedness vs paranoia, living in fear vs fool-heartiness, succombing to negativity vs
ReplyDeletenaivety.