my middle class white guilt

[threeplusfire]

Derek just enlightened me to how bad Austin's crack-cocaine problem truly is, the number of middle-aged tranvestite prostitutes, the presence of evil slum lords and a number of other strange things about that part of town I'm never actually in if I can help it. I do remember Patrick getting us lost over there once, years ago. He's thinking about riding along with the cops every so often from now on, just to keep his reality in check. I mean, once you see a cracked out college girl, seven months pregnant and smoking up while being the communal property of several other crack fiends... I suppose that makes our suburban existence a trifle disconcerting. For god's sake, it's right on the other side of the highway.

I'm just grateful he managed not to get himself shot. I was kind of worried about that.

I have been aware that all sorts of things exist that I don't see, and I have seen some of them. I just don't believe I'm ever going to lose that sense of shock when I do. I don't know if that is a good thing or a bad one.

Comments

[genders.livejournal.com]

It would not be good for you to become jaded.

For me, it is necessary to change careers into law or social work to see if I can do something about correcting some of this. That comes not from guilt--I have not caused or contributed to the causing of this problem--but from disgust with those who have.

Re:

[tsarina.livejournal.com]

I hope so. Being jaded might be less painful, but probably not any more healthy.

I'm not sure what to do yet. Other than go back to school.

[genders.livejournal.com]

I just don't like to be unaware of anyone's reality; I'm not sure it's a matter of health.

None of us can save the world. I'm just leaning toward working in public service now because I'm using it right now, so I see how it works up close and personal.