Have any of you ever talked to the owners of the the "ethnic" restaurents and the "ethnic" food stores, and asked them where they live?
With a few exceptions, most of the "ethnics" who run these businesses live in the suburbs. When asked why they choose to do so, they cite that the suburbs are much safer and they have better schools for their children. I am always wary of the "Minnesotan" inclusionary tactic that insists that we take affirmative steps to recruit as many "others" to *attend* or be present at everything. I think the sentiment is real and comes from a good set of values, but the outcomes always seem forced. Eat Street is a great asset and good for Minneapolis's image and public relations. But I have to be honest with you--I sure am glad that the tragedy of the police shooting didn't happen on Eat Street. My life experience as an "other" living amongst a lot of other "others" has taught me that understanding and acceptance come from prolonged contact in several social, economic, and political spheres. We learned about each "other" by going into their houses and hosting them in ours, going to the same schools for prolonged periods. We all have bias, but the only way to overcome that bias is through contact. Not the fake or forced version that has become pro forma for any political enterprise in Minneapolis. The redistricting effort would do well to focus on residential patterns and not be tricked by what looks like a mix, but is really just a commercial district. David Wilson Loring Park _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
