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.
Eric responds:
Anecdotal stories do not translate into tends or overall social conditions. Impacted neighborhhods are a result of institutionalized racism - whether it be institutions of government, non-profits, for-profits, realtors, bankers, healthcare providers, schools, etc..
Some folks are able to work around those institutions, as described in the anecdote above. Nevertheless, all the data points toward race, not class or income, as the primary determinent of discriminatory behavior. Poor white folks are statistically better off than poor Black folks. Rich white folks are most certainly better off than rich Black folks. And it goes all through the spectrum.
Fact is, even in an area that has been historically "impacted" - like VV and the rest of Phillips, white folks are better off than people of color and less "impacted". When I lived in VV from '93-'96, I knew this fact every day, all day long. I work in Phillips and spend a lot of time in VV. I still know it every day, all day long.
I am NEVER the guy they're looking for...
Eric Oines North Minneapolis Lind-Bohanon
"When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants and murderers and for a time they seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall - think of it, always."
~ Mohandas K. Gandhi (1869-1948), Agitator
_________________________________________________________________
Help protect your PC. Get a FREE computer virus scan online from McAfee. http://clinic.mcafee.com/clinic/ibuy/campaign.asp?cid=3963
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
