Cultural Exchange

Author © Jay Kantor

Brief history of our little town: Spahn Ranch was the site where 50ish Western Movies were filmed (western themes were 'IT' then). The then enormously popular 'Roy Rogers' series had a big white horse 'Trigger' - statue of which is on the site at this time. The 'Spahn' Ranch was Globally known as it became the infamous "Manson-Family-Compound."

You may have noticed on the news that Leslie Van Houten a Manson Groupie (mostly rebellious teens on mind altering drugs) his "Slaves" carried out unquestionably at his behest every whim, including unspeakable murder, has been paroled this week after 53 years in prison. She was an ideal inmate and passed the California Bar exam on her 1st attempt. They were all originally given the death penalty that California revised, Quote: "The death penalty is a waste of taxpayer funds and has no public safety benefit." Hence, they put all death row inmates into life/without parole sentences.

My Motto: The world is a much nicer place than the evening news would have you believe. With constant reports of unimaginable violence and indifference, this is not our true image of Human-Nature. It is to be kind to one-another – as we would want to be treated.

— At The Chatsworth Park —

As I sat in my car at the park reading 'James Patterson' enjoying the three-dimensional golden fall, with gorgeous horses passing by, an incredible looking car pulled-up next to me. It was a completely stock 60's Pontiac. I mean you could 'Hate-Driving' and still appreciate that this car was pristine – down to its original hubcaps and thinly lined white-wall tires.

I just had to give the driver a thumbs-up! And I said, "Can you make MY car look like that, too?" He said, "This has been 'spit-shined' for years, your fancy car is too new to get rubbed that hard!" I laughed!

So, here's the "RUB." We started talking about cars. I've had, way over, my share of 'vintage' money-pit costs over the years, so we related. Then, Francisco started telling me all about himself; his story just spewed out in a stream. He's a former gang member. Tats all over (never-ever will I figure this tattoo thing out?) — He was in/out of prison all of his life, "eight years here and more time there," while making a point they were both Federal and State Prisons; as if that were some kind of badge?!

But, he was fascinating to talk to – very diverse! He told me he was unemployed and looking for whatever work he could pick up because he was just broke. And, due to his record, it was difficult to get hired. His background pops up on the screen as soon as he applies for any job these days. So, I got out a few bucks and handed it to him to go buy some food.

He really was a victim of his upbringing. He explained sleeping on friends' couches or in his car was not unusual for him; even as a child. His sister kept his spotless car garaged when he was in prison. He just kept on talking, and I kept on listening, certainly in my Biz I'm trained to do that - pick out the 'Tells' - but in this case I could really 'Feel' him, and wanted to hear more about his dilemma. I really am a good listener. I didn't interrupt, make 'judgmental' remarks, or put out any body-grimacing 'Tells'. And, he just kept talking (to a total stranger) as if nobody had ever listened to him. Francisco was actually surprised that I did; a shame!

We spoke mostly in Spanish! He wasn't drunk/high or unclean. Very friendly! You might be thinking? Wasn't I nervous about all of this? Nah!

Digressing: My friend, Jim O'Brien, and I would often tease back and forth how having (4) years in High School Spanish (recalling teacher Mr. Yorbas' every day greeting "Hola Hombres") and we still didn't speak in complete sentences: I learned, by necessity, at Dad's factories. There was an abundance of Spanish speaking employees, and he wanted 'in-tell' of what was said behind his back - Really!

I wonder how people in this country, for years, can't speak English. Neighbor, Mrs. Kim, has been here for over (40) years and still only speaks Korean. We often communicate using an electronic interpreter. Since she has a fastidiously kept vegetable garden, while I have flowers, we negotiate trades; a fair exchange.

Stationed in Japan, I was living off-of the Naval base, and I mostly spoke Japanese with neighbors and shopkeepers. It was not necessary to read or write the language, just everyday conversations were important for me to study and learn; it was a nice way to fit into their community. Although, I could never get used to right wheel drive while driving on the opposite side of the road, so I rode a bike even when it snowed – a frigid experience for a native Southern Californian!

My Japanese neighbor, Mrs. Yong, and I made a deal: I'd teach her English and she'd teach me how to 'WOK' – Well, I still 'Wok' with the best-of-um, but English wasn't working for her – even if we graded on a curve! What a delightful Personality and Chop-Stick-Teacher. Mrs. Yong, Quote: "If you're getting it in your mouth, and not losing a lot of weight, you're doing it right." Seriously!

- It's terrific to interact; aka ~ mingle with people in the community to learn about cultural differences -

— We're all just alike - Values to Cooking - Sometimes just different Recipes —

Ooh, so, back to Francisco. He immediately asked me, "What's THIS money for?" I said that I just felt like I wanted to help a little; nothing more! He said, "When in prison, any time someone did something for someone else, there was always a Catch!"

I just said, "I donate to organizations; especially Veterans. Why NOT Francisco?" Francisco asked for my cell number; I declined — I had enough cultural exchanges for (1) day!

Jay Kantor, Chatsworth, California

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