Good Neighbors

Good Neighbors

The word “neighborly” has come to mean so much less in this 21st century world. Technology, while allowing people to connect all over the world, nevertheless allows people to insulate themselves against those who live next door. This project is about knowing the people who live nearby, whether that means a couple doors away or a couple of countries south. In an increasingly global world, we must remember to be good neighbors--not intruding, but understanding and helping when we can. The purpose of this essay is to get to know someone different than oneself and try to understand another person’s life through the lens of multiculturalism, teaching the researcher as a student through the process of researching and writing about this neighbor.

The neighborhood Angelina Khrul lives in feels safe to walk through. The demographic is largely white, with a few Asian families in the surrounding area. Families are well-off (upper middle class) and keep largely to themselves, confining neighborly relationships to a friendly wave now and again. Lawns are well-manicured and maintained by sprinklers and, sometimes, lawn maintenance workers. According to the 2012 US Census, Happy Valley, Oregon, where the Khruls live, has a population of 15, 406 has an estimated median household income of $91,598 currently. This city is over 87% white, under 9% Asian, and no more than 3% for all other races (2013). The family room where we interviewed Angelina Khrul was large, white, and quite clean. The home showed a clear level of care and order, especially considering most of the family still lives at home. The room felt emotionally distancing and cold at first, but as we spoke to Angelina, her personality warmed up and softened the atmosphere...

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