I lived on the Northwest side of Chicago for five years, in a Hispanic dominated neighborhood, about 90% of which were illegals(in that even the legal residents had not-quite-approved family members living with them). Not just Mexican, there was also Venezuelans, El Salvadorans, Colombians, etc. My girlfriends (very white) family was horrified that we lived there, and I never understood their problem. Other than my hometown in rural KY (where most everyone was family) they were the finest, friendliest, and best neighbors I've ever had. I couldn't walk to the store on the weekend without being stopped half a dozen times, offered a beer and a seat, something tasty from the grill. They kept a wary eye on our apartment when we were away. When my daughter was born and we brought her home from the hospital the whole street celebrated, throwing a block-party that went on for two days. They also brought over copious amounts of food and sent their extremely polite daughters over to take care of the housework while Mom recuperated.
People can say whatever they like, and live where they want. As for myself, I'd never ever hesitate to move into a Hispanic neighborhood.
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2011-02-09 07:43 pm (UTC)People can say whatever they like, and live where they want. As for myself, I'd never ever hesitate to move into a Hispanic neighborhood.