NIMBY

Not In My Backyard (NIMBY) is a phrase that typically describes a neighborhood’s objection to something they don’t want added to the area, such as low-income housing, shelters or group homes. It’s often a societal good that the residents support as long as it’s . . . elsewhere.
 
But I argue NIMBY could also apply to another neighborhood phenomenon: the blind eye. Many people assume that the hardest parts of society don’t happen in their backyard. Everything from crime to substance use to child abuse and neglect is thought to occur anywhere but where you are.
 
Unfortunately, that’s just not true and hoping that your backyard isn’t home to something like child abuse means that you aren’t paying attention. You could miss someone in danger. There are children who have been abused and neglected in your neighborhood. There are children in foster care in your neighborhood.
 
Don’t turn a blind eye. It’s your backyard.

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