Finn and I just returned from an hour-long walk. You'd think that, in an hour, two relatively healthy beings could cover more than four blocks. Then again, it is the loveliest of days and, all along the street, people were as prevalent as magnolia blossoms. I can nary walk by a smiling neighbor anymore than I can bypass a magnolia tree in full bloom.
There's a reason I consider the word "neighbor" to be a holy word. And it's not just because it made the stone tablet's top-ten list.
That same respect I give to the word, though, falls flat when I think about what happened to Trayvon Martin, the unarmed black Florida teen who was shot while walking in a gated community. His family's community.
What happens to us as people--as a society--when we fail to know our neighbors? I'd argue that we lose far more than the occasional shared beers on the front porch. When we choose not to know our neighbors, more often than not, we end up thinking of them in terms of human Tweets--casting a handful of stereotypical descriptors in their general direction.
Not many people shine in the afterglow of simple stereotypes. Certainly, Trayvon did not benefit from such sweeping conclusions.
I know that there is a movement afoot today, one in which people are asked to don hoodies to honor the life of Trayvon. Certainly, the intent is good--to raise awareness that there is more to a person than the clothes he wears.
But I think there's an even better way to honor him. Why not shed the hoodie and walk across the street today? Introduce yourself to that neighbor whose name has never crossed your lips before. Take a walk, say "hello," make a connection that goes far deeper than any hoodie could go.
Be a neighbor to someone.
Very nice suggestion, Jane. I, for the first time, received a realator's card in the mail introducting us to the family who just purchased a house across the street. What a wonderful idea!! Evidently others have seen this for awhile, I think it is a great idea to be able to welcome the new family and know their names!
ReplyDeleteThat's a really cool idea. Hadn't heard of it before, but like it already. Now you've got a name to go with your first impressions! --Jane
ReplyDeletejane, every time i wave across the street or shout hello, i am wishing that i could come pull up a chair and talk to you some more. you are the best kind of neighbor, and have always been such a delight to have across the street. i always feel like i am "off" somewhere...i need to do something about that, not be in such a hurry :) and, haha, four blocks in an hour :)tara
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