I am going to start with two definitions...

glorification: to treat as being more splendid, excellent, etc., than would normally be considered.

ghetto: a section of a city, esp. a thickly populated slum area, inhabited predominantly by members of an ethnic or other minority group, often as a result of social or economic restrictions, pressures, or hardships.

Can you really put these two definitions together in a hub and not be creating a rap song? Leave it to Rainbow Recognizer... ;o)

Home Sweet Home

I live in what one person called "the ghetto."  Of course he doesn't live here.  He probably lives in "the other ghetto" of this town.  Judging by the definition above and the make up of the people and houses in the neighborhood where I live I can see where he came up with that conclusion. 

When he made the statement the first thought that came to mind was this: each person living on this block has the same ultimate goal whether they are conscious of it or not - to live a fulfilling, happy life.   

We all have our unique way of doing that and there's certainly some people who do things that harm others. I was reminded of that truth when a person was shot and killed in some group gathering only blocks from here two weeks after I moved in.  The fact that some people are likely participating in illegal activities provides its insight as well.

So what does one do when she lives in the ghetto?  I choose to glorify it, instead of fall "victim" to the influences of those around me and the ideas that plague the grounds we live on.

The Glory

While I cannot speak for other "ghettos" I can speak for what I have observed of "this one."  (Reminds me of the banter of McCain and Obama and the whole "that one" statement.)

People walk and ride bikes a lot.  I love it.  It is so much more lively than a neighborhood where everyone is stuck up inside of their house and you don't know who they are or what they're up to.  I like the fact that the people around me don't hide - they enjoy mingling, playing, discussing - and yes, I've heard some arguing/yelling.  The idea of "not putting your business in the street" doesn't completely apply over here and in that way it is clear that we are all connected.  We truly are anyhow, so at least it's out in the open.

The make up of the people are from all "races" as well, which is also a benefit to me.  Diversity grows a unique exchange among people.  And we are all the same on the inside.

Thus far, privacy is respected when asked for.  We did have a couple of surprise visitors come and ask for bread at 10:45 PM and cash for family needs during a daily stroll, but they understood when we asked to not be asked again.  I do like giving, but I'd prefer that it's not door-to-door at almost 11pm.

We happen to live in a ghetto that has a community garden in the middle of it.  I know, some people would say that's a dead give away.  To me, though, that is Life at the center.  Growth, community, color - it's all here and even during the winter it breathes life, in my opinion.  People from the neighborhood as well as other areas close by come together to grow plants to feed themselves, their families, and others.  If that's not glory, well I'm not sure what is.

There is a park nearby - within walking distance.  I admit that someone did whack the heavy plastic slides with something very hard so they broke and fill with wood chips and water that combine to make a smelly mess... but you can slide around the breaks and they're only on the slides.  Come to think of it, I have been meaning to call the city so in writing this hub I've reminded myself to do that for the safety of the kids who hang out there without their parents.  The basketball court and outlying green field are often occupied by kids and families getting some fun exercise.

Trees abound, as do double lots not built upon.  I'm not sure who owns the properties, but speckled around are these nice spots where there's nothing but trees and grass.  And many people have chosen to leave the natural trees so we can all enjoy them.

Concusion

As Hannah Montana says, "Life is what you make it."  The ghetto or anywhere else is, too.  I choose to glorify it and although it is likely that I will move from this spot one day (we have outgrown our house) I appreciate it for what it is and I am glad to live here.

House - by Vyolett

Girls - by Anissat