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!