In Search of a City: To Your Social Health
I just returned from a trip to Toronto. Toronto offers a great public realm. Public transit, parks, free-standing stores on public sidewalks, and other public amenities make this city civilized and livable. Toronto prides itself on being the most ethnically mixed city in the world, yet I saw no racial tension. Sharing communal space seems to improve its social health.
The trip made me think of a Columbus experience I had several years ago when I took my kids to the Ohio State Fair on COTA. COTA’s #8 line had a reputation for being its “baddest” bus. As I boarded with my three kids, one of whom was in a stroller, the two older kids ran to the back of the bus. I followed.
On the back bench were five black teenage boys. They wore baggy pants and slouched on their seats. I immediately braced myself for profanity and trouble.
After the bus traveled a couple of blocks, I noticed my toddler making funny faces. I followed her eyes to the back bench. There, the boys were playing peek-a-boo. I felt ashamed. I’ll never forget that ride on COTA.
Tags: Public Transportation
March 26th, 2010 at 5:42 pm
I’m glad that trip was a great lesson for you! It always pays to be reminded of some of or prejudices. I can only wonder what prejudices I get. I am a 26 year old male that has tattoos and wears eyeliner daily. I have a 2 year old daughter, and we go out a lot together. I can only imagine the thoughts people have when they see me with a child. Whatever stereotype may bestowed on me based on my looks probably doesn’t do me justice, but it certainly doesn’t bother me. I am a devoted parent and am always getting comments on how well-behaved my daughter is.