An Encounter with the "South Side"

A letter to the residents of South Phoenix regarding my first experience

To whom it may concern:

I have to admit that  I was warned about crossing the Salt River into your territory.  I had been cautioned when I mentioned my class would be there for 8 hours every Friday.  "Don’t go down there" or "Good Luck" were just a few of the several blessings I was given.   Needless to say I decided to put their (the people who did not know any better) fears behind me and take off on a small adventure.  

On our first day my group finished our lunch at Poncho's and decided to head out to find some excitement. We walked straight pass the car with a common goal in mind. Behind Poncho’s lay an abandoned area of old home and a shed which had been blocked off by a barbed wire fence and several NO TRESSPASSING  signs, but that did not stop us. Only enticed further by the absence of life we chose to dig deeper to satisfy our suspicious appetites. 

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  After discovering a gapping area in the fence that was obviously placed there for us to go through it, we delved deeper into South Phoenix. In awe of the spaciousness we discover, our cameras clicked away. The view of the mountains is absolutely breath taking and the area had many open places that could be a beautiful spot to build a new home. But where were you and all the "others" I had heard so much about?

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As we crossed a piece of private land soon to become a small development of homes, we stumbled upon a quiet, desolate neighborhood hidden behind the hustle and bustle that is Central Avenue. The day would continue with the discovery of people who were more than willing to be interviewed (young, old, disabled) so that we may understand their neighborhood. Did they feel that the stereotypes were reality? Most did not but agreed that we should not be there at night—more of "your people" come out of the darkness and they are not the type to answer our questions.

That was my "south side" encounter minus the drive-by, carjacking, crack houses and mugging. Fortunately it was not what I was told to expect by my friends and family and I am relieved.  I often speak of you and other South Phoenicians like you.  I would like to thank you for the inviting experience and the effort you made to teach my peers and I.

I appreciate all the time and cooperation you have put forth.  

Sincerely, 

Jessica Dalske

P.S.  To see more of these letters please check out the class's websites.

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