babble home
rabble.ca - news for the rest of us
today's active topics


Post New Topic  Post A Reply
FAQ | Forum Home
  next oldest topic   next newest topic
» babble   » walking the talk   » anti-racism news and initiatives   » what should I have/what could I still...

Email this thread to someone!    
Author Topic: what should I have/what could I still...
rural - Francesca
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 14858

posted 28 July 2008 06:46 AM      Profile for rural - Francesca   Author's Homepage     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 
do...

The townhouse next to mine is being used for short term rentals. We're not terribly impressed as the rest of us are shovelling the snow and now mowing the lawn.

The gentleman in there now is taking commercial flying courses at our college and airport. I got talking to him when he and his visiting family, were trying to talk to one of my cats.

I went out and facilitated the introduction.

He is East Indian in appearance and accent and has a wonderful sense of humour.

Saturday night (or in reality Sunday morning) He spent from 1 am until 3 on the phone outside on the porch. My window is just above his porch, and in the stillness of the night, his voice carries.

No I can't be accused of evesdropping as he is speaking what I can only assume is Hindi.

Annoying but not a big deal, my problem is I find it hard to ignore as my brain is listening and trying to make sense of it all.

Now at about 2:30 a bunch walked up the street, from the bars closing I'm assuming, and one guy hollers at him "what country are you from?"

The guy answers "This country, Canada - what country are you from?" (which I thought what a great come back!).

They exchange a few more silly words along that vein and the conversation ends.

I was rather disgusted.

Now I don't know if I should let him know I heard this and thought he was very clever.


From: the backyard | Registered: Dec 2007  |  IP: Logged
TemporalHominid
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 6535

posted 28 July 2008 07:03 AM      Profile for TemporalHominid   Author's Homepage        Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 
let him know you welcome him to the neighbourhood

let him know if he ever needs anything or has any questions about services or amenities to feel free to ask


From: Under a bridge, in Foot Muck | Registered: Jul 2004  |  IP: Logged
rural - Francesca
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 14858

posted 28 July 2008 07:08 AM      Profile for rural - Francesca   Author's Homepage     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 
I've done that. Anytime I see him I make a point of chatting and asking about the course etc.

When his family was here I introduced myself and named the kids so if they saw them coming and going they could speak to them.

I told my kids to make sure they said hello - my kids tend to ignore anyone that doesn't offer food - because one neighbour had been stupid when she asked about him.


From: the backyard | Registered: Dec 2007  |  IP: Logged
WendyL
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 14914

posted 28 July 2008 11:13 AM      Profile for WendyL     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 
Lawrence Hill in Black Berry Sweet Juice: On Being Black And White In Canada has an interesting and informative discussion on this question "Where are you from" and its variants.

I'm not really clear on the purpose of this thread. Be neighbourly with your neighbours. Make a point of doing so, and encourage your children to do so, if that is what you do with your neighbours.


From: PEI Canada | Registered: Jan 2008  |  IP: Logged
Will S
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 13367

posted 28 July 2008 02:48 PM      Profile for Will S        Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 
I think you should tell him he had a great comeback. It might indirectly let him know that his voice carries outside in your neighbourhood.

[ 28 July 2008: Message edited by: Will S ]


From: Toronto | Registered: Oct 2006  |  IP: Logged
rural - Francesca
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 14858

posted 28 July 2008 06:57 PM      Profile for rural - Francesca   Author's Homepage     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 
quote:
Originally posted by Will S:
I think you should tell him he had a great comeback. It might indirectly let him know that his voice carries outside in your neighbourhood.

[ 28 July 2008: Message edited by: Will S ]


That's a good point!


From: the backyard | Registered: Dec 2007  |  IP: Logged
RevolutionPlease
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 14629

posted 28 July 2008 07:20 PM      Profile for RevolutionPlease     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 
I, personally, wouldn't make a point of it unless they did.

I'd do my best to make them comfortable but would allow them to lead the conversation and follow that.


From: Aurora | Registered: Oct 2007  |  IP: Logged

All times are Pacific Time  

Post New Topic  Post A Reply Close Topic    Move Topic    Delete Topic next oldest topic   next newest topic
Hop To:

Contact Us | rabble.ca | Policy Statement

Copyright 2001-2008 rabble.ca