When I walked into Strawberry Mansion to work on our Transportation Story, I wasn't really nervous or scared or apprehensive. I know everyone said "Oh, you got Strawberry Mansion," but it didn't faze me. For the most part, none of us in class have traveled to 33rd and Diamond unless we are driving by. Nor have most of us talked to someone in Strawberry Mansion, sat down on their stoop or ridden at the bus hub at 33rd St and Ridge.
But still, everyone said "Oh, you got Strawberry Mansion."
I know the words on everyone's mind is crime or poverty. In fact when traveling to this North Philadelphia neighborhood, I found myself to be legitimately excited to meet and interact with the residents.
While some of them kindly brushed us off, a majority of people were willing to speak to us about their transportation habits or share small anecdotes about travel stories gone terribly wrong. Coming back my second and third days I recognized some faces, made sure I said hello and they did the same.
I can't explain what it is inside of me that gets a little irritated when someone bad mouths our neighborhood. I know live in a "different" neighborhood, with "different" people (I'm stuck in the suburbs) but something draws me to this place 15 miles away from home. Maybe it's a sense of intrigue , an interest in meeting new people, telling their story, shooting their picture.
Regardless, now I say "Oh, I got Strawberry Mansion."
Kevin Cook and Marilyn S. D'Angelo
Group 2
Strawberry Mansion/Brewerytown
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