I moved to this new neighborhood months ago, and I am the only black person around for blocks. All my neighbors are white, and at night sometimes they get together and talk like some sort of group. One night I was jogging and they were all standing in the driveway, I jogged past and waved, but instead of responding gave me a dirty look. This one lady told my little brother to stay away from her house. I am 16 and live with my mom and my brother. My dad died three years ago so I don't really have him to talk to. I asked my mom if we could move but she said no. What should I do? I don't feel comfortable outside anymore.
2007-01-27 03:17:05 · 19 answers · asked by SWAY 2 in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
Don't care about them. If you care too much your mind will blow.
2007-01-27 03:21:16 · answer #1 · answered by arsenalsalam 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some neighbors just are uncomfortable with new people. Teens may make them the most nervous. Black or white. Look how many 16 year olds are in the news now doing really bad things.
Whenever you move in to a new group you need to act a little like them to belong.
If the neighbors get together at night you live in a good place. I love living places like that because if you become part of the group you know someone is always watching your house. They have saved my rear a few times.
In the bubrs it is important that people stay off of other peoples lawns. I once had two little girls pick 300 dollars of flowers I had planted.
People in the burbs are nervous that someone will mess there yard and house up. Best thing to do is to show them that you are one of them. First you need to be seen outside more so that people get accustomed to you, and know where you belong. While doing that show them that you are a hard worker. Fix up the front yard a bit, when others are outside. If they think that you are fixing your yard they will respect you more and feel safer. Grab a rake, a mower or a paint brush. I know it is the last thing that most 16 year olds want to do but trust me it will help you with the neighbors. People in the burbs love hard workers.
Moving would only be running from a problem.
2007-01-27 03:51:20 · answer #2 · answered by DDLynn l 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you thought about talking to a counselor at school? Maybe they could give you good tips. Or Just going up to your neighbors and talking to them. Help an old lady get her mail, whatever. Sometimes it takes time for people to see the good in someone before they stereotype them. Some people don't like change and that could be part of the reason they are acting that way. It is not right for you to feel uncomfortable in your own neighborhood. Maybe if they knew that they would change their attitudes. I'm sure if that was happening to their own child they would be angered.
2007-01-27 03:25:48 · answer #3 · answered by MGrnl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm sorry this is your experience. Oh please don't think all white people are this rude. They are probably from English decent. It seems that English, Spanish and French decent are the most racially narrow minded groups. The more east you go in the "whitey spectrum" you'll find more racial acceptance. This is my experience. I am WHITE (like almost clear) and I've been discriminated against because of my Polish back round and facial features (narrower eyes, larger lips, rounder cheeks) whereas the western whities are big round eyes, thin lips and hollow cheeks.
Hang in there and remember you are an ambassador for your race now. You need to rise above this, as your people have done for centuries. Keep smiling. Keep being kind...you could change a few minds! That I feel is why God put your family where he did.
2007-01-27 03:38:11 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Kill'em with kindness. In other words, don't just wave-say hello and smile. Always speak when you see a neighbor out. Let them see what a genuinely nice guy you are. If they are scared of you, this will ease their tension. If they are racist, it will put the monkey on their back that whatever is wrong is on them. Maybe they just don't know you and don't know how to open up to you.
I have neighbors of all colors, ages, lifestyles and creeds. I make an effort to be as friendly and polite as possible until they prove themselves as unfriendly. Some people just don't know how to respond to new comers.
I don't think it's racism. I think it's just an established click.
2007-01-27 03:31:36 · answer #5 · answered by penhead72 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am so sorry you are having such a hard time in your new neighborhood Are there any kids your ages in the area, what about school, are you having trouble making friends? I know that adults can sometimes be real butt-heads so don't let it get to you I know that I was friendlier to my kid's friends than to total strangers. I hate to think its because of racism, but if it is, those are not the kind of people you want to associate with. there has to be good people around your home I hope you find them. Good luck to you and your family
2007-01-27 03:39:53 · answer #6 · answered by pokey's gumby 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they have seen what blacks do to neighborhoods. They may have moved from a neighborhood that has turned bad because of blacks! YOU ARE Different from them so just be a supporter in a neighborhood and they will except you just don't bring some other blacks in the neighborhood like south Chicago and what happened there.
2007-01-28 13:44:37 · answer #7 · answered by john 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You may have a problem, but just be good neighbors, and keep speaking and waving your hand, and go on with your business. May be the neighbor's will come around, or may they won't, only time will tell. I wish all the best for you!
2007-01-27 03:24:27 · answer #8 · answered by roseannetb@verizon.net 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes I'd say it racism.It's really unfortunate the people act the way they do.I don't think theres a lot you can do.It's sad but I believe that were probably taught this by their parents.My heart goes out to you.Possibly in time things will get better,but I doubt it.Please don't judge all white people by these idiot's.Your welcome to live in my neighborhood any day.
2007-01-27 03:31:26 · answer #9 · answered by Henry B 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do what you have been doing, keep with your regular schedule. Show them that your not intimidated or left uncomfortable about the way they seem to treat you. Don't give them any reason to treat you guys like an outsider. Don't retaliate against them in any way though....just act yourself, don't let them change the way you go about your day. Good luck!
2007-01-27 03:24:14 · answer #10 · answered by skye_lashay 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
give it some time. Any move and different situation is hard. If your new nieghborhood is really like this..maybe your mom will begin to see that you are in a nieghborhood of jacka**'s and move. Or perhaps on a more positive side,,maybe you will see that you are overreacting and in time you will get that you were reading them wrong.....just give it time and give them a chance before you make judgement
2007-01-27 03:24:15 · answer #11 · answered by justme 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋