by Thornshackle

Created on: September 04, 2009   Last Updated: September 08, 2009

No, I would not move into a neighborhood being the only member of my race living there. Here is why: I have done it before. So really my answer to this question is I would never do so again. Before I go into my explanation of why this is, let me say that I believe many feel the way I do, but will choose to lie to themselves and their fellow humans rather than risk being viewed, let alone called a racist. I believe everyone has the same propensity toward racism as they do towards tolerance. I also believe that in one way or another everyone is a racist.

So, with that stated, I will begin my explanation. Now I am not a neighborly person to begin with. I prefer to not have neighbors at all, of any color, creed, religion, or affiliation. I was a raised in the country where you just didn't have neighbors living right next door, and I suppose that I have carried that ideal preference with me into adulthood. Now, since I cannot afford to live out in the country again at this time in my life, I am willing to make certain compromises, including living in the suburbs, when necessary. I will not however be the only one of who I am in said place because if I have to have neighbors, then I offer certain levels of respect and I expect same.

However I have observed that people of other racial backgrounds may not comply to the same sets of standards that I do, for example I believe that as of 10 pm on a Monday night that a person's music of choice ought to be audible only to that person, not the entire block. I believe in respecting my neighbor's things, and keeping my trash off of their lawn, because that is how I would expect to be treated. I have noticed that certain different backgrounds from my own view the procedures of life differently than I do, and while I respect their ways, and even accept their right to have their ways, I do not allow their ways to interfere with my ways. Do what you like in your own house, fine, but don't force me to have to see it, or listen to it, and if you take it into your yard, then keep it out of my yard, or in the case of music let me know well in advance so I can either A. make plans to be away for that entire day, or B. hire a contractor to install soundproof paneling in my house.

Really it is all about mutual respect. I am not one to go disrespecting others for disrespecting me. I am however one to call the cops, until my neighbors learn the value of common courtesy. Where I come from common sense, common courtesy, and common decency are just that: Common. There was never any need to explain them, or point out why you just didn't do certain things in certain ways. However, I now see that these are not so common traits, as I would view them, after all. Now I am aware that in free countries, mine included, as long as your neighbors obey the laws, they can do as they please. I am not arguing with that. I think that is just fine. However I don't think I should have to deal with it, and because I, also living in a free country, have the right to choose where I want to live, I prefer to live in a place where people share a similar background, a similar set of values, and a similar definition of mutual respect, as I do.

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