tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096083296053498847.post6194860899494670917..comments2024-03-15T13:52:29.329-05:00Comments on This Side of Fifty: The Melting Pot - 8/7/10Mark Gavoorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14718162397767006618noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096083296053498847.post-15708907841044827942010-08-29T14:55:33.138-05:002010-08-29T14:55:33.138-05:00This is in response to your August 24th and 27th l...This is in response to your August 24th and 27th letter. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!<br /><br />I read your letters early this morning and started to respond, but never finished what I started. I had some errands to run. "Have car will travel" is my motto. Anyway, as I drove through the northside and westside of Chicago, I noticed how much the demographics had changed. Yes, there were the usual pockets of neighborhoods Andersonville, Pilsen, Korean (yes I travelled far and wide today lol)there was a show of a more modern generation where the melting pot was not the same as I knew it 30 years ago, but cultures intermingling together. I saw a japanese sushi restaurant next to a latin restaurant, middle eastern store not too far from the Jewels. I was happy to see the intermingling of race relationships this way. I think foods bring people together ... to engage all the senses and enjoy what each person brings to the table. If only the political realm can do the same. That's another topic lol.<br /><br />What I noticed as I drove through and saw the differences in the store fronts and restaurants, each still had its own identity, letting the potential customer know "I am here, welcome" These pockets of diverse neighborhoods is "melting" together. These neighborhoods have come together to live side by side. There is a new generation of people who chose interracial relationships which I find wonderful. I don't think one would lose their heritage. As you pointed out, it is an individual choice.<br /><br />As far as some of the killer categories in these neighborhoods ... I saw a Walmart, Petsmart, CVS, Borders, yet I also saw unique shops ... boutiques, patisseries, cafes, ethnic grocery stores that are thriving. These places may not be dominating the nation, but they are certainly making an impact in their neighborhoods. I like that feeling! I stopped in to my favorite middle eastern bakery/grocery store and the staff was friendly. They're always friendly! I usually pick up my favorites ... hummus, baklava, and dates. I don't get the same friendliness from a Whole Foods Place. The bigger grocery stores are starting to realize the diversity of the neighborhoods and the demand for more ethnic foods so there is a whole aisle devoted to "ethnic foods".<br /><br />I like independent stores. They have their place. I'm sorry to hear about your encounter with Mr. Navarre. I can understand his point of view in trying to make it in this economy. Not everyone has that flair to make a sale. Yet, I wonder if he was trying to make a sale or make conversation since so few people stop in small independent stores. Independent stores were flourishing 30 years ago. It's getting old and so are the people who started them. That's another topic.<br /><br />Just my thoughts. Thanks for sharing yours again!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096083296053498847.post-3150623687560481992010-08-25T22:17:54.954-05:002010-08-25T22:17:54.954-05:00I think that your heritage, Mark, is what allows (...I think that your heritage, Mark, is what allows (paved the road, kinda sorta)you to be so very accepting, tolerant and inclusive of diversity.....<br /><br />Once again, you've got my interest-<br />KSSCAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com