Eric Oines gives the definition of "Impact" and the says, "> Doesn't quite have the same social science/political feeling that we think of when we talk about "impacted neighborhoods", does it?"
Part of the definition was > "1 a : to fix firmly by or as if by packing or wedging b : to press together > 2 a : to have an impact on : impinge on b : to strike forcefully; also : to > cause to strike forcefully" No Eric, I think this exactly describes "Impact" as used to describe "Impacted Neighborhoods" by Social Scientists and most definitely as described by people living in those neighborhoods. There IS an attempt to: a: fix firmly by race and poverty certain neighborhoods and to pack or wedge as many "Supportive Housing" and crime problems as possible in those particular neighborhoods. b: To press as many social problems as possible into containment zones. These activities defiantly impinge upon the residents living there as well as those forced to live in concentrated supportive housing. 2a and 2b: Such institutional racism strikes forcefully and impinges upon the quality of life and opportunities of those residents. Yes Eric, I think that this definition does accurately describe what takes place in "Impacted Neighborhoods" both from a social science and residents perspective. There is a great deal of "Social Science" data to support the "Impact" on the lives of people impacted by the institutional patterns of discrimination practiced by our City. Michelle so accurately points out, >" there are "impacted neighborhoods" or "containment areas" where transitional housing and other high-density units always seem to be placed by government and social service agencies. This isn't because the people who populate that housing just naturally gravitate to those particular neighborhoods and demand the housing be placed in those areas (Jim Graham's Grape and Jazz events notwithstanding). It's because people in power make decisions that this is where that housing will go. This system is perpetuated because wealthier folks do not want this kind of housing in their 'hoods and they've got the power and influence to keep those units out. This concentrates a lot of low income people, especially people of color, in certain areas of the city." Michelle, my pointing out that social scientists were not always the authorities for people to believe about racism, was not meant to doubt that the myth of race does not have real impacts on lives. Classism, and misperceptions about race do have very real impacts. It is no coincidence that there are containment zones in areas where more people of color live. It is also where most poor people are forced to live. People of color who have money (just like white people) tend to flee to wealthier "white" neighborhoods. Not always, but most. Yesterday I was at a barbeque attended by several Black police officers from Minneapolis. Some originally came from Detroit. Where would you suppose most lived in the Metro area even though they "policed" for Minneapolis? That's right, the white suburbs. One of these Black cops looked at me like I was out of my mind when I said I lived near Chicago-Franklin. He could not understand why anyone would live there. He also could not understand why I would not buy a house out of the City if I could afford to. A white police officer that works in a suburb, but lives in Minneapolis said he understood why I live here, "more fun and more closer to what's happening". Such are the perceptions of our "Impacted Neighborhoods". Well off people of color also sometimes suffer from that same classism. This sameness of perspective might be comforting because it shows people of all colors share similar perceptions, but the bad news comes when you realize what they share is not so good for the poor people who either are condemned to live in impacted neighborhoods or chose to do so. Remember folks the concentration of poverty and "supportive Housing" in Minneapolis has been supported in Minneapolis by both a Black Mayor (Sharon Sales-Belton) and by White Mayors (Don Fraser & RT Rybak). I am not sure which supported it more. But all, whether knowingly or unknowingly, most certainly have practiced policies that contributed to that institutional pattern of racism. Jim Graham, Ventura Village >"It is always an utter folly to underestimate the lure and attraction of a great evil. The whitened bones of their victims litter the highways and byways of mankind's history. Stopped only by the few willing to pay the ultimate price and make a stand." - Toe REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
