Why I (heart) the Ghetto: A Tribute to East Nashville

I am proud to work on the East side of the Cumberland River in Nashville. Working on this side of town definitely has its benefits. My commute to and from work is against traffic flow. The East side boasts an artsy, creative vibe and is teeming with trendy restaurants and bars, chic boutiques and one helluva organic grocery store.

Oh ya--did I mention that my office is a stones-throw from the ghetto?

While some may consider this an impediment to a peaceful work day (i.e. frequent gunshots followed by police helicopters encircling the neighborhood, the occasional crack-coke exchange out in our back parking lot, etc.), I consider it a blessing for bountiful opportunities of "That Ain't Right."

Exhibit A: The First-Degree Murder Gone Bad. I'm driving to work about a week ago "when what to my wondering eyes should appear" but a soiled mattress with a stain quite queer. I rounded the block again for this one folks, the second time with camera in tow.

Now tell me this...when one attempts to stash and/or trash the evidence of a heinous crime such as a murder, is it accepted practice to display the obvious signs of the crime for all to see? I think not.

I (heart) the Ghetto because it owns "That Ain't Right."