10-8-2002 With the exception of anime stores, Los Angeles is a hole.
Here's the setting: Five of us went to LA on Saturday because we got paid and if you know us, you know money doesn't like to stay in our wallets :)
I've gone to LA to visit anime stores one other time... and that time an LAPD cruiser parked so I couldn't get in my van! I was so pissed off I wanted to call the LAPD and give them a piece of MY mind, but John wouldn't let me. He said that if I called to complain that the LAPD would tag and beat the crap out of me... in which I reminded him they wouldn't, because I'm not black. I just left it alone and just understood that they aren't the brightest of the blue. So, I'm not going to include this experience in my rant... because I'd be biased.
When we went this time, I was a little less naive and tried to be more aware of my surroundings. Then, the homeless came out and started asking for money. At least they didn't ask me, but I felt bad enough that they asked one of my friends... and the both of us really care kind-hearted people and we don't need that kind of guilt in our lives. The first guy that approached us was very kind, and I didn't have a problem with him at all... he was genuinely curious as to why a bunch of us were driving to LA... so I wasn't too upset. After our day of shopping, another guy came and followed us from the shopping center to our car begging the same friend of mine for money for food. It really was unnerving. He told the guy he didn't have any money left.. but because he felt bad about not doing something he decided to give the man some Japanese food that we got from the market just before we left. The guy was INSULTED and called it junk and was mad that my friend didn't give him money! I can understand someone having a hard time and needing food, but if you're going to use that as your line to get money to buy crack or alcohol or whatever you need your fix on, be happy you're getting something.
The worst part about this is, I really want to live in LA. Most of the people there are very nice, but it's the other people on the opposing ends of the spectrum that keep many people from visiting or even moving there. We weren't even in a 'bad part of town' and we were all very uncomfortable. I think if Los Angeles wants more tourism and less crap, do something about the social environment. As soon as those anime stores move to a better place, I can promise I won't go to Los Angeles nearly as often and I will now.
I've gone to LA to visit anime stores one other time... and that time an LAPD cruiser parked so I couldn't get in my van! I was so pissed off I wanted to call the LAPD and give them a piece of MY mind, but John wouldn't let me. He said that if I called to complain that the LAPD would tag and beat the crap out of me... in which I reminded him they wouldn't, because I'm not black. I just left it alone and just understood that they aren't the brightest of the blue. So, I'm not going to include this experience in my rant... because I'd be biased.
When we went this time, I was a little less naive and tried to be more aware of my surroundings. Then, the homeless came out and started asking for money. At least they didn't ask me, but I felt bad enough that they asked one of my friends... and the both of us really care kind-hearted people and we don't need that kind of guilt in our lives. The first guy that approached us was very kind, and I didn't have a problem with him at all... he was genuinely curious as to why a bunch of us were driving to LA... so I wasn't too upset. After our day of shopping, another guy came and followed us from the shopping center to our car begging the same friend of mine for money for food. It really was unnerving. He told the guy he didn't have any money left.. but because he felt bad about not doing something he decided to give the man some Japanese food that we got from the market just before we left. The guy was INSULTED and called it junk and was mad that my friend didn't give him money! I can understand someone having a hard time and needing food, but if you're going to use that as your line to get money to buy crack or alcohol or whatever you need your fix on, be happy you're getting something.
The worst part about this is, I really want to live in LA. Most of the people there are very nice, but it's the other people on the opposing ends of the spectrum that keep many people from visiting or even moving there. We weren't even in a 'bad part of town' and we were all very uncomfortable. I think if Los Angeles wants more tourism and less crap, do something about the social environment. As soon as those anime stores move to a better place, I can promise I won't go to Los Angeles nearly as often and I will now.
posted by Nuriko at 9:18 AM
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