Where Do They Keep All The Children During Winter?
Monday, March 26, 2007
Today the dam broke - as the thermometer passed 70 degrees for the first time this year, the gates of people's winter hibernation chambers (homes) opened and overflowed into the streets, populating the neighborhood. The car I've been borrowing was unavailable today, so I ended up walking everywhere. A week ago my street was practically deserted all day, now it seemed every other house had a group of people sitting on the front porch relaxing, most with a radio blaring. One house would be pumping B93 rap hits, and the next would echo back with the oompapa-oompa of Mexican rigaton, only to be followed by classic rock in the next.
The biggest surprise for me was the sheer number of children! I hardly saw any all winter, and wondered how they could all have been contained inside when now the streets are filled with their shouting and laughter! There are at least 25 kids just outside the houses around me, and the trend continues down the block.
It is now that the incredible diversity and tension of the neighborhood becomes obvious. Because of the historic housing shortage in this area, ethnic groups are forced to spread out to wherever housing is available, preventing the usual ethnic neighborhoods and pockets from forming like they do in most other large cities. An American Indian family on my left, a Mexican family on my right, a well-to-do Caucasian family beside them, a Venezuelan family below me, and an African American family across from me! Welcome to Phillips Neighborhood, and to the summer months to come!
Posted by Benjamin Washam 9:46 PM
Labels: Cultural Anthropology, General Reflections, Minneapolis
2 Comments:
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- claire said...
10:50 PMhallejuah.- Chelleboogie said...
10:33 PMShoot! That neighborhood sounds right up my alley!! Wheaton had one of those kinds of moments too... people sprawled all over every green space available. People flying kites, throwing frisbees, couples going on romantic walks... ya know. Still is amazing to me how much weather affects all of life around here. ;) It was great hanging out with you this past week...
