The people who have been influential in my community are going to have t be the teachers, musicians, fireman, and police officers who are truly involved in the community. they have been able to provide the community with many fresh ideas and also with help. Some things that have been helping our community specifically are the after school corner houses that have been available for children after school to do homework and ask any questions to tutors and people who are willing to volunteer their time for that. we don't often hear about people actually doing this on their free time but believe it or not there are people who do this. there are immediate stereotypes that are placed on my community. specifically because it is a minority based neighborhood. many people assume that it is the crappiest place on earth and the house value has diminished because of the people that have moved in. it is true there is violence in my neighborhood but there are good things in it as well. there are mom and pop owned grocery stores, tae kwan do places, clinics, and restaurants. all types of things that are in the neighborhood that are positive. people sued to hear about my high school on the news due to its bad behavior George Washington High school. But now it seems to get better because i have younger cousin who goes there and she says that it is not a bad school. they actually wear uniform now and only the kids in the area are allowed into the high school which is why it is getting better. I have a friend who is an aspiring musician who is from the east side and i want to share his music video that is posted on youtube. it will give you an idea of what the east side looks like and what it feels to be "home."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fmzczc5Ff-I
i don't know if you will like the rapping but i hope you enjoy :)
I watched the music video while on lunch at work and was sad that I can't hear the music, but I really loved the very realistic portrayal of the community in the images in the video. I could have guessed where all the filming was done based on the landmarks but its was really amazing to watch and see the little things that portray the community, ie tastee freeze and the expressway signs.
ReplyDeleteWhat do you think the music video would say to someone who isn't from that area? I was also very intrigued by the "Take Pride in the East Side" signs. How long have these signs been featured in your community and were there groups of people who wanted them put it? How do you react to these signs since you are from the area (which would be a different reaction than mine)?