"In childhood, we press our nose to the pane, looking out. In memories of
childhood, we press our nose to the pane, looking in."
Recently, I attended a meeting exploring cultures. As I listened to others share experiences with other cultures through travel, I fell back into thoughts of my childhood. I was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, exposed to diversity in both religion and ethnicity. I was not an outsider looking in as differing ways were a part of city living.
My neighborhood included Jewish, Greek, Chinese, Irish, German, Polish and Hungarian families. Current appreciation for diverse food choices probably stems from earlier meals shared with neighbors. Attending a college prep academy, I was newly blessed with African American and Native American friends. College opened even more opportunities.
Although I lived in an apartment building until college, childhood memories are filled with playing outdoors ... bike riding, roller skating, sledding, hide and seek, hopscotch. I was never afraid while walking city blocks, riding city busses, or traveling on the subway. I believe all of this contributed to my cultural acceptance and respect.
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