as i indicated a few posts ago, we’ve been back to arkansas for almost a year now. growing up in conway, little rock was always a regular part of my life. living here, though, i have a whole new perspective on little rock—especially with living in midtown and working in downtown. i don’t just live in little rock. i really do love little rock now.

given this fact, there is something that’s been absolutely driving me nuts. if i hear one more person talk about how or insinuate that little rock is some kind of scary, dangerous place, i’m going to scream. seriously. you would think by the things people say that there’s gangsters with assault rifles walking up and down the streets looking for innocent women and children to shoot down. or it’s as if behind every bush and hedge there’s some freaky horror movie character with a hacksaw ready to jump at the chance to chop up unsuspecting citizens and eat them for dinner. it’s really ridiculous.
we, particularly, get it a lot of this because of where we live. we live in capitol view which is just a few minutes west of downtown. capitol view neighborhood is on the national historic registry and is just a really cool and beautiful area. we’re very glad to live here and would like to stay long-term in this area. but, of course, since we don’t live out in whiteyland west little rock (or maumelle, bryant, cabot, etc), we are risking our child’s personal safety every day. woe to us…
to be completely frank, this comes down to one thing: race. black people=little rock=scary and dangerous. white people=west little rock/’burbs=peaceful tranquility where you can prance around in the streets at night while singing kumbaya with your neighbor… seriously though, i honestly believe that this is racial issue. it’s truly very sad.
one of the things i most like about little rock is the diversity. i’m not delusional and think that there’s nothing but racial equality bliss, but i like the prospect of raising my kids in public schools (which is a whole other blog post…) with an array of colors and worldviews. i want to teach my children not to live in fear (unlike how christen was raised in the scary black-filled town of cabot…) and that diversity is a reflection of god.
little rock is no more dangerous that what one’s common sense would allow. in other words, i have never really felt unsafe in little rock. of course, my common sense has kicked in and i try to lay off wearing my red doo-rag and matching red dickies suit over to southeast little rock waving my glock in the air. common sense people. i don’t have to live in fear when lucy plays in the front yard or when we go to the park or when i walk to my car in the parking deck when i get off work.
so, lay off the dangerous schtick. it’s played out and untrue. little rock is an incredible city and i would recommend it to any family. viva la rock!