Dichotomy of Culture

The Ocean View, Merced and Ingleside neighborhoods, more commonly referred to as the OMI hold a history that's rarely seen today. Yet, it has become something of a cultural phenomenon: a case study to be delved into with the most introspective of purposes. Its downright interesting.

I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago. When I tell people I came from the Midwest, they see a corn-fed white-boy that herded cattle or worked on the farm throughout much of my young adult life. However, until the age of 14 I was knee deep in a cultural triad that would define a large portion of my perspectives and beliefs up through the beginning of high school. The largest populations surrounding the greater Chicagoland area were Black, White(polish predominantly) and Indian. We were told there were neighborhoods to avoid, streets to walk around and hallways that would hold certain dangers were we to venture down them. We were never told why; though, there was an innate stigma that attached itself to these areas and the races and cultures that inhabited them.

Its different here. These stigma's still exist, yet perhaps it is my additional 13 years of real-world experience that have allowed me to view them with less of a perception of possible victimization. As I walk down Arch St. or Broad St. or Farallones Ave., there are signs that bring me back to my childhood. Gang symbols, graffiti and drug culture are prevalent throughout the OMI, in sharp contrast to the historical context by which many still view this area. Though now, the strong sense of fear is gone. Crime, robbery, assault and even murders are still reported regularly throughout the OMI, though it is what it is. Perhaps this is what comes with "big city livin'."

Its exciting to be here. Its exciting to smell the smells, hear the sounds, and revel in the folderol of life. From what I've seen, the key to survival is twofold. Civility and candor go hand in hand when talking to the residents and learning what it is to be a resident and member of this community. Can't wait for next week!