No, It's not exactly crazy… I wouldn't say the youngster helping the girl with the groceries was "bullied". MY G.P.'s neighborhood is pretty much like this today. I don't live around the way anymore, but I am there for a week every month or so, and not much has changed. The lawns are mowed, the tulips are planted, and the gangways are swept.

If you were in a bar and someone talked smack to your wifey or sister, what are you gonna' do?? How's about on your block?? If some random was in your daughters apartment, wouldn't you wanna' know why?? People are suspicious of outsiders. We wanna' know why you are there and what you are doing. People have lived in these neighborhoods for GENERATIONS, Elmwood, Harwood Heights, Taylor St., Grand Ave., Oak Park, etc. When my dad, uncles, and brothers are in the old neighborhood to visit, it takes an HOUR to get from the porch to the car because EVERYONE who comes through stops to say "Hi", introduces new visitors, talks shit, and generally gets along. If there was some dude at the park harassing a young girl during the 4th of July block party, or told someones sister to "Shut the fuck up", you can believe that they would catch a beating. NO DOUBT.

It's just the way it is. You don't shit where you eat, also. And that is what I think the old head in the post you brought up is so salty about. He doesn't get it, and I don't blame him.