d-d-d-disinformation

What a nice way to introduce a place:

A commercial, educational, and cultural center, the city was once the second-largest in the British Empire, (after London) and the social and geographical center of the original 13 American colonies. During the 18th century, it eclipsed New York City in political and social importance, with Benjamin Franklin taking a large role in Philadelphia’s early rise to prominence. It was in this city that some of the ideas, and subsequent actions, gave birth to the American Revolution and American independence, making Philadelphia a centerpiece of early American history. It was the most populous city of the young United States and served as the the nation’s first capital in the 1790s.

This is either a beautiful city of incredible historical significance or another perfect example of progress lagging far behind even with a mass of incredible resources in its people. Separate and gentrified. North Phily. South Philly. West Philly. As an outsider, I’m given a lot of free advice, and it usually is along the lines of “Don’t go to [wherever they are not from] at night, but be very careful if you do.” They are so similar, all of them, in their fear of what the territorial scum from [the other place] might do to them.

Philadelphia has many neighborhoods, each with its own identity. The large Philadelphia sections, North, Northeast, Northwest, West, South and Southwest Philadelphia surround Center City, which falls within the original city limits prior to consolidation in 1854. Numerous smaller neighborhoods within the areas coincide with the boroughs, townships, and other communities that made up Philadelphia County before their absorption by the city. Other neighborhoods formed based on ethnicity, religion, culture, and commercial reasons.

“Numerous smaller neighborhoods within the areas coincide with the boroughs, townships, and other communities that made up Philadelphia County before their absorption by the city. Other neighborhoods formed based on ethnicity, religion, culture, and commercial reasons.” That sounds much nicer than “racism.”

I’ve had a hard time finding my own place in this city. I don’t think it knows how to absorb me yet. I ask myself what I would be like if I grew up here, hoping I would be no different. I think it’s safe to say I would be less Idealistic, more concerned with “getting mine” before someone else does. It’s just strange that I can feel those pressures when I know they are completely unreal. Why would that be a concern if the community was unified to serve it’s best interests? Every person doing well is in the interest of everyone. I can’t claim to have any answers but there are people who do that get ignored every day by ham-fisted babies in office.

I don’t know where I’m going, but I’m doing my best to make the decisions for myself. A 21st century digital boy, I will record it on the way. Look if you want.