Perception Is Reality?

Many things have been different in the everyday atmosphere of Atlanta versus New Orleans.  In New Orleans, every day I would have to deal with the remains of Katrina.  Here, as in every other city in the US, life goes on as if nothing has changed.  Why shouldn't it?  People have their own lives to worry about.

Since being here, often times in conversation people will ask me where I'm from.  I wish the question never came up because as soon as I say, 'New Orleans.'  I can see like a thousand questions going through their head about what s/he should say next.  I completely sympathize with them because they don't know or really understand what happened.  I imagine, from their point of view, it's an uncomfortable situation.  It's kind of like when I go to a funeral and I tell someone how sorry I am for their loss.  I know they've heard that for the umpteenth time that day, but what else can I really say?  However, when they ask where I'm from, I can't really lie.  I usually answer and don't elaborate on the situation down there unless they push.

I was caught in two awkward situations yesterday.  I wasn't really sure how to respond. 

First thing Thursday morning a lady asked me, "So, did you have trouble sleeping last night?" referring to the bad thunderstorms the previous night.
    "No," I responded curiously.
    "Yeah, I guess not.  You're used to that sort of thing being where your from."
    As usual, I consider the source and react accordingly.  I just smiled, nodded and went along my way.  Just my opinion, but the weather here in Atlanta is strikingly similar to that of New Orleans.  Thunderstorms here rival that of New Orleans. 

Second thing Thursday afternoon at a Chamber meeting a man asked me, "So, where are you from?"
    "I live in midtown."
    "Are you from here originally?"
    "No, New Orleans."
    "Oh, wow so I guess you swam out of there huh?" he said with a big grin and laugh to follow.

Again, I considered the source, smiled and changed the subject.  Honestly, I have no idea what he said for the next two minutes.  I was a little perturbed by what he said.  I mean I was in the 20% of the city that didn't flood, but I know a good many people that were in that 80% and lost everything.   People I care deeply about have been affected in so many ways.

Later that night, I was lying in bed thinking, 'Is this what everyone around the country thinks but doesn't say?'  I can't imagine that being the case.  If anyone ever says anything like that to me again, I would do the same thing and not react emotionally.  Ignorance is bliss, but it makes me wonder if this is what goes through the heads of most Americans.

   

Comments

[textworker]

I like this text. And I wish I were able to "consider the source" in a calm way each and every time in real life. Maybe that is a sign of wisdom and comes with age ;-)

(Came to your blog via your "sliver"-comment on gapingvoid.com)