General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: My 20 something, tiny, blue eyed, blonde daughter taught in the South Bronx [View all]RoccoR5955
(12,471 posts)and never was threatened. That was back in the 60s and 70s. I also had friends of many races, and beliefs. When I was in my teens, I sought out people who were from different cultures, to be friends, and learn their cultures. It has long been my belief that learning about, and understanding different cultures, religions, and such can only help us all understand each other in the long run.
I remember times in Chinatown, when I would go to Canal street to get electronics parts for little projects for cheap, that I would go to little Chinese eateries. You know the little holes in the ground, where you have to walk downstairs. Though some people would look at me funny, it was helpful to know what others would eat. The same holds true when I would go to the Buddhist temple on Mott St., where I would go to sit and meditate, after walking around Chinatown for literally hours.
I would ride the subway to all corners of the City back then, until I moved "upstate" in 1980.
I understand your point and agree.
The only thing that I can think explains it, it the way we walk in streets of NYC, that some people find a problem. When you walk through a "bad" area, as if you have an intent, with your head pointing in the direction you are moving, and make little or no interaction with others on the street that you do not know, you appear to belong there, ESPECIALLY in NYC.
I think that things in NYC are a lot better than they were, in most areas. Many younger people want to learn about different cultures, and want to get along with people from these cultures. Perhaps the rest of the planet should take a lesson from this, and that only by peaceful understanding of each other, can there be any lasting peace.