An article in The New York Times today talks about Portland Oregon's growing racial divides. The article begins;
...one person’s frontier, it turns out, is often another’s front porch. It has been true across the country: gentrification, which increases housing prices and tension, sometimes has racial overtones and can seem like a dirty word. Now Portland is encouraging black and white residents to talk about it, but even here in Sincere City, the conversation has been difficult.
The city has been updating and improving the infrastructure of several urban areas in Portland. A city that is well known for a progressive disposition is finding it difficult to dialogue about race and gentrification. The article says that much of Portland's progressives are white-upper middle class; African Americans make up only 7 percent of Portland's population. To me, it sounds like West Texas, just a 'left' version of it. (Air America instead of Rush).
The article ends with an account of Neighborhood meetings (mostly whites in attendance) where residents attempted to talk about the issues. It said that neighborhoods decline for any number of reasons, but it does expose how awkward it is for a 'progressive' city to deal with racial tension, even today. Several attendees interviewed show how misunderstanding and lack of communication has bred some of these problems.
When I read this it made me think of the perception certain cities and states have. Texas is perceived as a traditional/conservative/Republican state (no denying that that is the prevalent disposition). Many people see the state as racist (thank you Farmers Branch). Oregon on the other hand has the perception of a progressive/green state. I believe this shows that being progressive has very little to do with where you live. Oregon isn't immune from Farmers Branch style conflicts; its not just a Texas issue. Follow the link below for the article: Thoughts?
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/29/us/29portland.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&hp&adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1212066652-BYwiR9c7eF5Yts2YXzttvg
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3 comments:
Doesn't really fit todays topic bu I figured y'all would enjoy this. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgwfpIOOb-c
Would something like this be an example of the shift from modern to postmodern? i.e. large groups of people can no longer be described in general absolute terms because of their geographical location or historical family affiliations.
I think all this article means is that race and class issues are not easy to deal with no matter where you live.
And that at least they're trying; I'd like to see the Farmers Branch hold a town meeting to better understand racial tensions.
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