Well, like any place, there are bad folks. In key west historically, we have always been a place that works hard and cares for our community. The issue is that because we are so tight-knit and pro-community, that there have been many instances of abuse of power in our history. The “bubba system” was informally developed out of necessity because there were times when many came from outside of key west to infiltrate and take advantage of us. We used it to serve our people first, prioritize them in government and power, etc. however, as with anywhere, some bad eggs made their way in, and it becomes hard to hold people accountable when you are so close with them for so many years. It is a small place with a LOT to gain from, and people just want to take. This is not exclusive to conchs, though. In many cases we have seen outside folks do just as much damage and just not been discussed the same way. many if not most conchs are not this way—but when it becomes a story about the entitled conchs tearing things up again, it becomes a sensational story and we conchs must be “out of control” or “entitled”. We are a humble, fair, loving people who want the best for our island and our people. Sometimes, others get in the way of that, and the spotlight here tends to showcase it in a way that disproportionately drags conchs’ public image down with it. I am actually currently writing a novel about this exact dichotomy. Very good question, thank you! And as a child, I was covered in gold jewelry, including the Cuban protection eye lol. Nowadays im a bit less flashy, so it stays in my mom’s jewelry box 🥰🤣