Sunday, Aug. 15, 2010

I hear you: Yards don't tell full story

Boy, did I touch a nerve.

Since my Newcomer column last Sunday on what I referred to as "lawn care challenged" yards in North Raleigh, I've received 25 responses via e-mail, telephone and even one, old-fashioned snail mail correspondence.

The responses varied. Some were angry with me. Most, however, said they agreed with what I wrote and that they'd wondered the same thing upon arriving here.

The final tally was 14 in agreement, six in disagreement and five responses that were neutral (i.e. offering an explanation for the tall grass or suggesting neighborhoods I should check out in my search for a home). You can find a sampling of the letters on this page. Several people on both sides submitted their messages anonymously, meaning we can't share them. But most shared sentiments similar to what you'll find here.

But, believe me, I heard everyone. Loud and clear. No matter the opinion shared, I could tell most people were writing or speaking passionately. You'd think I had degraded sweet tea.

Kidding aside, people here clearly have neighborhood pride. People clearly love their neighbors. Both are good things, and both go a long way toward determining a place's true quality.

Of the people who disagreed with me, most said I shouldn't judge any area solely on appearances. That's a valid point, and I'm sure many of the neighborhoods I've visited that prompted my column are family-friendly and vibrant. I'll make it a point to visit them again, probably multiple times, but I'll make sure to look deeper.

Thanks to everyone for your feedback. I appreciate it, positive or negative. Keep the letters coming about this or any other community issue you care about. We want a robust opinion page and welcome your views. I'm enjoying the conversation so far.

One thing, though: Many people assumed from my column that I must be from the North, one of those Yankee transplants who just don't understand Southern life and want to bring everyone here to their way of thinking. I was definitely "blessed out," to use a Southern parlance. But even some of those people took the time to welcome me to the area and wish me and my family the best. Strong evidence that Southern hospitality is plentiful here.

(Strangely, though, none included a "bless your heart," the oft-used Southernism intended to lessen the blow of a verbal beatdown.)

Truth is, though I'm new to Raleigh, I'm a native North Carolinian and have lived here for 27 years. In fact, I've never lived outside the Carolinas (I live and die by the Atlanta Braves, for goodness' sake).

But that just goes to show you we can share many things in common and still disagree from time to time. We can even disagree passionately. But we all want the same thing: A good place to live and raise a family.

I have no doubt I'll find that here.