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Dear current and
prospective students of South Phoenix:
Hi, my name is
Jacqueline Vega and I am writing this letter because I have
completed an Urban Studies class at Arizona State University West. I
would, first of all, like to give thanks to all the residents of
South Phoenix, for letting us use their city as our classroom,
because without them doing so, this course would not be possible.
In addition to thanking
the people in this city for letting our class use their area, I am
also writing to let them know that our classroom’s visits there was
not a waste of time, nor was it to add to or enforce any of the
preconceived notions that an outsider may have when they hear the
words, South Phoenix. We intended, and were successful at, embarking
on a search of people’s honest stories and opinions. When asked, the
residents of South Phoenix, old and new alike will tell you
willingly what they think of the changes and the community, and what
it has been like living there. Some have responded to the changes
hesitantly, knowing that new changes could possibly mean getting
lost in the community, forcing them to find other places to live.
Others are excited by them, considering taking new opportunities
that come with new development.
As outsiders and
residents may know, South Phoenix has a reputation for being a crime
infested, run down area. I do not know exactly how South Phoenix
came to have a reputation for being dangerous, perhaps the media has
had influence on this, but it is really apparent that poverty and
danger come to mind when South Phoenix is talked about. When my
research team and I were telling someone from South Phoenix we were
conducting a study, he looked stunned and said, “be careful,” as if
we were entering a battlefield. I thought his remark was
inappropriate because it added to the stereotype that South Phoenix
is a horrible place to live. Moreover, as long as there are people
occupying an area, there will be crime, because people are not
perfect. The more time I spent in South Phoenix, the more I found
the scenery having more of an impression on my experiences than
crime or poverty did. Because of being improperly maintained, the
city may appear rough, but I am clearly stating that this is not the
case at all. Like I have written in my outside project where my
research team and I went to interview a local high school, which can
also be found on this website, most students that my research team
and I have spoken with feel safe in their neighbors. They gave me
the impression that they enjoy growing up where they live, and will
even one day raise children there. They have a lot of pride in their
community, and with colorful, culturally influenced surroundings and
the beautiful South Mountain scenery, it is not difficult to see
why. My advice to anyone who finds themselves living in South
Phoenix is to avoid the stereotypes at all cost, and see the city
for what it really is, a warm, multi-cultural location with gorgeous
views and plenty of services willing to help those who are
disadvantaged.
Thank for your time
spent reading this.
Sincerely,
Jacqueline Vega
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