The words cut like a knife as they rolled off the tongue of my neighbor and made their point as an affront on my race and heritage. In this day and age, it was hard for me to comprehend how another human being could still hold such views and perpetuate falsehoods and stereotypes. Despite the sacrifices of many, the scars of racism are still clearly evident in our society and our communities. I just never expected to find it next door! While my neighbor and I had chosen this community for many of the same reasons, little did I realize at the time how different the sight of the lake was from our respective points of view.

It began innocently enough. A brand new development, I was the first to move in and felt relief when I noticed my first neighbor moved in on a Saturday morning. I made it a point to let them get settled for a day, then knocked to introduce myself and welcome them to the building. I thought I sensed apprehension as the eye stared through the peephole for an unusual length of time. Nonetheless, we made our introductions in a cordial and neighborly manner. At this point, I feel it best to give the following anonymous names to protect and spare them from being labeled as racists. We shall call them Melissa X and Aaron X.

As the following weeks ensued, we exchanged smiles and pleasantries. A sense of safety and mutual trust and respect developed despite our differences – or so I thought. We bumped into one another on July 2nd of last year having both returned from the supermarket while making preparations for our respective 4th of July festivities. Perhaps caught up in the spirit of country and patriotism, or accepting that we did indeed share being Americans, Melissa X was in a jovial and lighthearted mood. We discussed the weather forecast and our respective plans for the 4th. As fate would have it, we were both having family over. It was then that it slipped out. “What are you grilling Kevin?” Melissa X inquired. ”Ribs and steak,” I replied, “with the usual side dishes.” I felt a storm brewing as I watched Aaron X cringe as he awaited what was to come next (as though he had been put in this awkward position before). It proved to be prophetic on his part as she looked me in the eyes and spoke the words I will never forget. “Ribs? … Ribs? Kevin, a white boy don’t know shit about cooking no ribs.” She scowled at me.

After the initial shock and subsequent laughter on my part had subsided, I pointed out the absurdity of the statement to Melissa X. Not only was I staring a racist and stereotypical statement in the face, it was an affront to my manhood. Since Adam and Eve, man had a special connection to the ‘rib’ I quickly pointed out to Melissa X. In addition, barbecue or the art of cooking over fire, dated back to the caveman! I defended my manhood, my race, and above all, my ribs, with gusto and hard-hitting facts like those pointed out above. Still adamant in her racist views, Melissa X repeated her initial claims. I immediately challenged her to a cook off to settle our little racist dispute! Since we both would have family present for the day, we decided on the mothers as our judges.

Smiling and confident, we returned to our respective homes carrying the preparations for Independence Day. There were bound to be fireworks! After unloading my groceries, I returned to the supermarket for additional weapons to fight this racism.

Returning home a short while later, I began marinating my ribs; then I walked next door to reaffirm our challenge and deliver my neighbor a gift of the biggest watermelon in the supermarket! “See you tomorrow,” I snickered. The following morning the smell of wood chips, liquid smoke and barbeque permeated the air. The sound of fireworks set off by anxious revelers added to the atmosphere.

The respective families began arriving and were informed of the ‘showdown at sundown.’ Having been marinated, smoked, dry rubbed and sufficiently cooked to perfection, I was confident my ribs would be ready for the challenge! I carried my platter of ribs confidently and we set them side-by-side in front of Melissa X’s lovely mother Hazel. As the challenge began, Hazel lifted one of my super special ribs from the platter. Most of the meat slipped from the bone as she picked it up; Ms. X’s mother looked her daughter in the eye and uttered the following words. “You’re in trouble Baby,” Hazel said to Melissa X.

As the ‘white boys’ ribs were passed throughout the family gathering that day, the sounds of “Melissa, he has you beat” and “Wow, these are good” were music to my ears. As both families enjoyed one another’s company that day, and more food and fun than we could possibly have had the right to have, I was proud to be an American, proud to have a sense of humor, and certain my wonderful racist neighbor would provide many great stories in the future!

As the evening ended, Melissa pulled me close and whispered…“Just so you know Kevin, I guarantee my chicken is better.”

Most of all, I take solace in knowing the view from our respective peepholes reveals a friend.

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Follow more from this author at his Facebook page —-> JK Dark