I read an article on the internet this week, a reminder of something simple that might be helpful to everyone. The short piece was written by a fellow who goes by the moniker, Big White Hat and he called it, “Texas Charm School Lesson 3” (linked via title bar); going on about how drivers are supposed to “finger wave” at those passing by on the road using the free fingers on top of their steering wheel. The comment section to his article is worth the time as well, offering a wide cross section of information. If you think about that for just a moment, what a simple friendly gesture tells about the mindset of the person offering a passing “howdy neighbor” as opposed to the many negative attitudes which seem to abound. This would work for you Yankees too, instead of “howdy neighbor” substitute “Hey, Youse Guys”; be sure to smile and have your pistol ready, just in case.
I’ve noticed some of the younger generation and some older folks who have moved in from other areas of the country may not have been exposed to the “howdy neighbor” sort of mentality and it’s truly a shame. There doesn’t appear to be any association to being neighborly along racial lines, these minor courtesies are common among nearly every one I’ve met. I often see folks wave or nod to friends as they pass, even to those they may not know and yet recognize as neighbors. Maybe it’s not too late to instill a sense of community; the monthly newsletter that we get could be a gentle way to place this idea into homes without pointing a finger.
I have a poster full of colloquialisms and one of them is, “There is more to life than increasing its speed”. I suppose that could be a warning to ease off the gas peddle or maybe that refers to something more important, our need to be a little more appreciative of what is around us, to include being more neighborly. We are all children of our Father in Heaven; isn’t it time we showed a little respect for each individual who shares this time and place with us?
I’ve noticed a disturbing trend, mostly among the younger generation; but not limited to them, that of people walking two, three or more abreast as they take up a good portion of the street. It’s fine that these young people are able to enjoy one another’s company and have a good time while on their way to the store or some other point of interest; however, the street is also intended for vehicular traffic. These young people often times act in such a manner as to challenge those driving down the road, something which appears to be confrontational in nature, as if the vehicle should take drastic measures to either go around or even stop and wait for these young people to pass by; or else!
I hesitate to equate such deliberate hostilities with gang mentality; however, this type of behavior isn’t much different than spray painting or tagging an area or “turf” as can be found on fences or walls of shops which have been defaced with gang graffiti. The antagonism which is presented might even be considered an assault worthy of retaliation, were these young people to run into an equally arrogant driver. I’m afraid that the consequences of such a meeting could be tragic.
There are variations of the need for “community spirit” while sharing the road, for lack of a better name, by those who jog with their backs towards the traffic. I’d always thought that walking or running would be much safer were these folks to be facing in the direction of those vehicles which present a hazard to their health and safety. Pedestrians and joggers might even offer a smile, a simple wave or any number of simple salutations which create the notion that each individual has been properly addressed with a minimal amount of dignity. As my friend Big White Hat has explained, drivers should be equally aware and return such pleasantries. Does that sound too old fashioned or could we all be doing a better job at being neighborly?
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