ruminations on the southeast

My flatmate lies on the kitchen floor.
"I think he's gone into a state of hiberation."
"Yeah, the other roommates have left. Nate-Dawg went to a party."
"Yeah I am hanging out here this weekend."
"Dude, yeah it is like before 11. We should get me a pizza."
"So what do you want on your pizza?"
"Like pepperoni. I don't really care."
"Yeah, you'll eat most of it."
"No, I'll eat half. And you'll eat the other half."

A Wednesday night before 11. Things seem remarkably provincial and unimportant on nights like this. My mind is drifting. And I remember a conversation from earlier on in the day, about making money.

"You know, I know it sounds obvious. But some people are just motivated by making money-- it's amazing. Also amazing just how much money they have."

It is amazing. I still don't understand the detachment you feel-- when you agree with yourself that you exist day in and day out to get money. surely it's a means but an end in itself, how?

And then there are those conversations about places like Anacostia.
"Dude, it's like a third world country out there in southeast." This is a nurse in a DC hospital speaking. His comment has some foundation if the stories you hear about violence are true. There is an AmeriCorps program that cleans out the Anacostia River, dragging out all kinds of trash from the river. The team is about 18-19 people. Every year they lose a member, a young person who is shot as a result of gang violence. Every year, at least one or two members.

Anacostia is on the Green line of the metro, southeast region of the city. The Rough Guide recommends you don't walk around the area alone-- something like-- "Take a taxi. Go to the historical sights you want to see and then leave."

I am looking for ways to volunteer in DC. I want to find something to do near Anacostia. Just because I cannot stand when neighborhoods are talked about that way, when it seems like the rest of the city, chock full of NGOs and "young professionals", has given up on them. I don't like it when in my mind, neighborhoods become urban legends of death and despair and streets where none that value their life should walk. When even the name of the neighbourhood conjures up twisted, dripping images of hopelessness. That cannot be!

Maybe I am naive. Maybe I'll return in two months to this entry and laugh at myself. Maybe. Well, so be it. I'll let you know.