Segregation......problem or choices?

Dear diary-

Sorry for the recent neglect. I have been struggling to finish a book on segregation. American Apartheid by Massey and Denton thats the book. Interesting but sometimes laborius reading. Anyway, in this book they argue that the fundamental reason for poverty among African Americans is segregation. I found it interesting that they found that the northern cities were actually more segregated than those in the south. Lets be honest...the south is not well known for race relations.

Despite federal laws and court decisions outlawing discrimination in housing, employment, etc. the problem has seemed to persist. Many things are attributed to have helped the support the persistence of segregation. One of the buzz words always associated with this is "white flight". Accussed of availing the opportunity the middle class white americans, the governments home lending policy has largely caught the blame for making this possible.

Keeping in mind that this book was written almost 15 years ago, they point out practices of places quoting higher rent or selling prices to African Americans. Another point made was that whites were offered twice the amount of information on financing homes.

The book makes some valid insights, but again i have to come back to the word "choice." Is the centralization of poor urban African Americans something that has been inflicted upon them, or something they have not chosen to do anything about. This is after all the land of opportunity. (I love the role of devils-advocate!)

If segregation is the problem, then are integrated living models the solution. Would having an impoverished person (be they African American, Chinese, Canadian, well you get the point) living with two middle class families on either side really be benificial to that impoverished person? How would it change the outcome for that person?

Much of the poor urban dwellers do not take the opportunity to better themselves, rather thinking that they are owed success instead of having to earn it.

I believe segregation is as much about choices made by individuals as to where they might want to live and can afford to live. Affording to live in a certain area is a direct result of how much effort an individual is willing to put forth to attain the financial means to live there.

Before i tear off on another rant of abusing systems by lazy people, i will close.

I do see some validity in the points made in this reading. They are often compelling and should be discussed, but i like to think that I, like everyone else purple, blue or green, have the ability to work hard, and fight for what i want.

If and individual wants something bad enough, they will find a way.

Peace!

The Urban poor.......Why more?

Oh Dear Diary-

While spending time reading about and contemplating inner-city poverty, a couple of issues struck a cord with me. In my daily work, i encounter employees from many different socio-economic backgrounds. Typically, they are not the best of employees. I try in earnest to "meet them where they are" and not have preconcieved notions. But sometimes it is hard to ignore the obvious. They feel as though they are owed something by the organization.

While reading about inner-city poverty, i came across a hypothesis that "the poor are complicate in their own fate." I couldnt agree more. While there are individuals that deserve assistance in inner cities, I am afraid that they are far outnumbered by the individuals who just dont care. They do not put forth their best efforts in their work, or even to obtain work, instead being complacent and waiting for someone to give them something. And then, in steps public policy to what?; encourage that attitude.

Another hypothesis discovered in my reading was that Public Poilicy is partly to blame for inner city poverty. YES! I cannot recall the number of times that an employee has been terminated for gross misconduct in the workplace and simply does not care. You might ask why. It is because they believe they should be entitled to unemployment, and suprisingly sometimes are awarded. This undermines organizations ability to enforce policy in the workplace. Individuals have actually aske my advice on how they can best leave their current position (they are tired of working their) and still draw their "pennies," a common descrition of unemployment checks. It is an attitude that i am afraid is fostered by their community and encourages their lack of effort and participation in attaining their own way.

Unfortunately, i am afraid i am coming across as jaded, but it remains a daily challenge to stay optimistic in the face of blantant abuse on "the system."

Glorified Omission

Dear Diary-

While my last post might have seemed to glorify suburbanization, it failed to mention or recognize the externalities of the situation. As witnessed in viewing a historical video on New York, many people were left in the dust with no means to escape.

While the American Dream of owning that little plot of land that is all your own surrounded by green, it can seem somewhat sinister if the "means to the end" are not considered.

There is more than one way to obtain a goal!

Good Night New York!

-J

Dear Diary:

I have been reading this book lately devoted to the study of American suburbanization. It is interesting to follow the evolution of American cities and the overwhelming popularity of moving to the "burbs." As the modes of transportations grew so did the suburbs. While i read the book though coupled with conversations of others, i get the idea that i am supposed to think that abandoning the city and moving to the suburbs is bad. Do i really think that?

It would be hard for me to answer yes as i am about to make my first mortgage payment on my home in the suburbs of Birmingham. I think the answer for me today is much the same as the historical answer. I am far enough away from the hustle and bustle of pavement dwellers in the city for some peace and quiet but close enough to jump right in if i care to participate. I am one of how many who catch the morning news on my favorite radio station, sitting in commuter traffic as i inch towards "downtown" to work.

Who doesnt want their cake and eat it too?

As odd as it sounds, it seems the commute is (and has been) the American Dream. To own that little piece of property outside the city. This has turned what used to be thriving "walking cities" into areas commuters now need a place to park their SUVs instead of dwellings.

But are we really living outside the city anymore?

I live in Hoover which is home to many large companies. While Hoover is a suburb to Birmingham, Hoover itself has it suburbs.

Many things to contemplate as i read on. Make sure you check back my fellow suburbanites and please share your thoughts on the evils or marvels of "life in the burbs."

Make sure you check out the suburbia video......just a little fun on a social topic.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NGbVnuc-es