Baltimore — More than Crabs and Civil Unrest
Baltimore has had its ups and downs, pain, loss, and sorrow. It has also had its share of fun, happiness and love. Like any decent sized city, it also has its share of unjust practices, inhumane humans, killers, and snakes and those who want nothing more than to see the city burn for their own gain, but enough about those in positions of power and politicians! Kidding…a little. Honestly, it’s one of the cities in which I’ve chosen to live and have come to enjoy in spite of flaws.
I’ve lived in cities with easier access to public transportation on the east coast, one known for its harbor and another for its melting pot and dreams. While these cities taught me life lessons on how to survive as an immigrant, how to live in a big city, etc. I couldn’t find it in me to stay. I’ve also considered moving to cities I’ve worked in for many years but was dissuaded by aspects such as the number one question during happy hour of, “So, what do you do?” because a job and who you know are more important than life passions and in another in which gentrification isn’t just a buzz word — it’s a celebrated way of life.
What was the happy medium? Baltimore! Another east coast city just south of the Mason Dixon line. This spot on earth contains approximately 621,849 people and still has a small town feel which allows you to get to know your neighbors, including who will report you if your grass it more than two inches tall and who will take careful notes on how many late nights you’ve kept and with whom, to adventures that can usually occur only in cities that are close and open to great art spaces for poetry, music, and other performances plus easy access to wonderful restaurants of varying cuisines and awesome dive and high end bars. Heck, live here long enough and you’ll realize how many real life “Norms” we have (reference: Cheers, a TV show for those who are confused or not 80s babies).
Thought I was kidding about the restaurants? Here’s some more proof, as if you needed it…
There’s also been a diversity shift in the city. Not as much intolerance and hate. Sure, there’s still quite a bit of prejudice in some areas but in the city, there isn’t a place that I feel is off limits. Are there neighborhoods that are less desirable in terms of a high crime rate than others? Of course. Will I visit some of the less than desirable neighborhoods without people who are familiar with them? Of course not. This is common sense. Thinking back, it’s the same when I was a teen — I wouldn’t randomly pop into Hell’s Kitchen, Brooklyn, or Jackson Square and about fifteen years ago, I knew based on my appearance to avoid skipping down to several neighborhoods in Southeast DC. Back then, some of the people in those areas viewed me just as oddly and suspiciously as I view those who display confederate flags on their houses. But now? Gentrification…but I digress…
I hope the shifting dynamic continues to improve and honestly, I hope those who insist on focusing only on what’s wrong without trying to make things better, move. You are not a tree. You are not a rock. Move. Move to a place you love so that you can enjoy life and become a person who makes things better. I don’t want you miserabling (yes, my made-up word) my city up.
“Some cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go” — Oscar Wilde
Of course some may think this is just an account through rose-colored glasses. There are recent and decades old injustices, race-related systemic oppression and hardship. However, there are also good vibes full of love, happiness, and excitement about living in a place that you can call home, one in which you can find a job that allows you to earn a decent wage so that you can explore the world or at least, provide decent meals for your loved ones. This is a town in which you can still afford a drink, and not a PBR or Natty Boh for $7 or $10 either! Oh, and did I mention that this is the place to get some of THE most delicious crabs and crab cakes? Trust me, you want this. But if you ever start craving that larger city vibe with fun restaurants, more art and theaters, hop a train or simply drive up the road. I promise you’ll want to come back after you’ve had your fill.
Look, if you still know you don’ like it and insist on staying (even though you really should try to leave) fight to make it better. Election time is here. Vote! Focus on what’s going well and what we can do to make things better. There are tons of good people out here doing great things. Find them! We can make our communities better and our lives happier.
