Why is it that communities that have rivers or channels running through them often have defined 'sides' in which people reside? An older phrase used to be 'from the other side of the tracks', where communities were defined geographically and economically by the railroad tracks that divided them. To be 'from the other side of the tracks' was not a positive descriptor and has been immortalized in song by various vocal groups over the years. Many a love song has been penned about two lovers separated by geographic/economic locations.
Back to my own question: Why is it that communities that have rivers or channels running through them often have defined 'sides' in which people reside? Not only defined, but unequal levels of success?
We attended a street festival today that was teeming with people, pets, vendors, as well as a very large vintage car show. The weather cooperated and ushered in blue skies, sunshine and temperate fall-like conditions. There were so many people that it was hard to move through the throng of attendees, most of whom were contentedly munching on the tantalizing food offered from food tent after food tent. The local merchants whose businesses line the main downtown street, where the street festival is being held, must surely be feeling the positive effects of the increased foot traffic.
Let's back up one month and one-half mile across the channel, which, for explanatory purposes could be considered river-like. A street festival was held on this 'west side' main street in July and apparently had relatively low attendance. Two major differences delineate the neighboring street festivals: The weather was very windy and blustery for the July event and the number of shops on the west side is considerably smaller than the number on the east side. So there is logic to be applied but.....the difference in the two street festivals is striking. I'm certain that the promoters of the west side are highly envious of the success of the east side's festivities today.......and, it is only a 'river' and a half-mile apart. There might as well be two entirely different communities involved.
Just food for personal thought. It simply reminds me that success can be elusive and difficult to attain, depending on which side of the river God places you on.
Ancora imparo
