Can you imagine how it comes across to someone that's actually from there? When chocolate is always being complained about by vanilla? It gets so old real quick and it's why I respond the way I do to it.

These are people that don't know what it's like to go to a school that absolutely sucks. They don't know what it's like to be treated like you don't belong in the very city you grew up in. Or being pushed out of a neighborhood where many of your family members once lived. I experienced that and it really, really sucks.

It's not even about race per se, at least I don't want to think that way even if it's being incredibly naive. I think it's a class issue. They treat DC natives as if they are better than us and that absolutely rubs me the wrong way.\

Here in Baltimore I have met people that are a lot more welcoming and friendly. Ironically enough, I was able to finally find peace despite the awful reputation of this city and that truly makes me smile.