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Streetwise

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Submitted By aimeesteiner
Words 715
Pages 3
Aimee Steiner
Soci
Assignment 9

Are there areas of the city (or entire cities, perhaps) that you avoid? Apply ideas in this article to explain why you avoid those areas.
There are definitely areas of the city I try, no I do, avoid. I have to admit that these areas are predominately black and poor. I live out here in the country now and have to admit that I am not street savvy or “street wise” so to say. I admit have driven for quite a distance to deliberately avoid these areas. Some of the things that bother me are the attitude of some of these young black men. The swagger, language, and almost defiant attitude. I have to admit it scares me somewhat, and yes, I am one of those people who try not to make eye contact. I believe that this behavior probably angers some of the black youths as they are offended by my behavior. I also believe that one bad instance with a black youth can anger a small community and scare the residents against all black youths. I have always considered myself not to be prejudice but this has made me see things differently. I now believe that I am somewhat prejudice, and I do not think that this is a good trait in myself. It is amazing how one small article can make you reflect on your own behavior throughout your life. I know I would not like to be looked at and judged just for my appearance.

If you lived in the Village-Northton how would your interactions be different from what they now are? Exactly what behaviors would you change?
If I lived in the village I believe that I would try to become more “street wise”. I do not think I would want to live in a place where I was frightened all the time. If I was to see the same people all the time I would nod at first, speak to them eventually, and try to get to know them. I would also try to familiarize myself with my surroundings. Getting to know your neighbors would help. One thing that was brought up in the article was the man who got $10.00 from his wife in case he was mugged; I found that a little ridiculous. I realize he was just a visitor in that neighborhood but that kind of fear can be paralyzing. I believe if I was out walking I would walk with my head up and try to show no fear. I believe that living there I would have to learn to lock my doors all the time, which now I do not do. I would also have to lock my car and I would not leave any expensive items where they could be seen in my car. I guess my lifestyle would change quite a bit. Not being able to trust the people around you can be an awful way to live.

If you lived in Village-Northton, how could you tell a mugger from a regular person?
I found this question to be a little ridiculous. I do not believe how you look predisposes you to being a mugger. I do know that certain looks grab my attention quicker that others. The young black men with ‘du’ rags on their heads to me means trouble. I also think that a young man with his pants hanging around his knees is not properly dressed. These two examples are also stylish today so it does not necessarily mean that these boys are going to be muggers. A well dressed man could also be hard up for money and decide that his only alternative is to rob someone. With the way the economy is today, anyone, dress in a thousand dollar suit or dresses with baggy clothes could make the decision to rob someone. If you are walking down the street though, you need to be aware of your surroundings. If someone approaching you is acting suspicious; walking fast, fidgeting, reaching for something in his pocket, eyes darting around, and then you may have reason to be afraid. If a person is just walking along and minding their own business, maybe talking calmly to friends, then things are probably alright.

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