What Is Sketchy?

by Katie Flood

Prior to my arrival in Chicago, I was hesitant to move to Pilsen because I was afraid that it would be sketchy. I grew up in the suburbs surrounded by perfectly landscaped yards and paved roads that are repaired frequently. Everything always looks nice, AKA, not sketchy. But since my arrival in Chicago my idea of “sketchy” has changed significantly. While there are parts of my neighborhood that aren’t glamorous, I feel safe and welcomed in these spaces. This doesn’t mean that I’m not cautious, but it really has made me question why and how we categorize things as sketchy.

            Merriam Webster Dictionary defines “sketchy” in three ways:

                        1. “not complete or clear”

                        2. “done quickly without many details”

                        3. “likely to be bad or dangerous”

I think that a lot of times we focus too much on the third definition. We see a building and define it as sketchy based on its appearance, which is not incorrect by the first two portions of the definition, but then we automatically assume that because it wasn’t well made or is missing parts of it, that it is a place of danger.

I know that this is the mindset that I take when I look at things, but I also see myself working my way out of that mindset through my exposure to parts of the city that are automatically deemed as sketchy and therefore are unapproachable. I think that when coming to Chicago it is important to focus on the assets that each community has, rather than defining them by the problems the community faces.

Being a part of the Urban Intensive Track during my time in Chicago has given me the opportunity to expand my horizons and learn to appreciate the beauty of various neighborhoods throughout the city.

As a class we have visited Uptown, Garfield Park, Humboldt Park, Englewood, as well as many others. I love that I get to experience neighborhoods that I probably would not have made an effort to visit outside of class time. We chatted with different organizations such as Breakthrough Urban Ministries and Erie House.

One of the neighborhoods that I have grown to love is Chinatown. I have gotten to know this neighborhood through my internship and my personal exploration. This weekend, I took my friend to visit. We explore the shops, walked around the main streets, and found some delicious food for dinner. I love that I am able to be so invested in such a vibrant neighborhood.

On a completely different note, make sure you bring an umbrella!