Neighborhood Sociology
Tytianna Davis
Neighborhoods throughout the world are constantly undergoing different changes especially in major cities. Some of these changes can either make a neighborhood or break a neighborhood. A particular community that was brought to my attention while I was doing my sociological research that has drastically changed within the last few years is Bedford–Stuyvesant. A big factor that has lead to this historical community undergoing change is Gentrification. Gentrification has had many positive affects on Bedford–Stuyvesant and has also taken a few negative tolls to this community as well. Bedford-Stuyvesant was exclaimed to be in the top-25 fastest-gentrifying neighborhoods according to Census data. This community is ranked number …show more content…
six in the fastest growing neighborhoods.
Some residents are happy with the change that is being done in the neighborhood, other despise the changes going on in the neighborhood.
As I walked around in this beautiful community I asked some residents how it used to be. I received a response from an older woman saying, “I love this place, so many memories were built here in my childhood along with my 6 siblings. There used to be a tennis court along with a track and field court on DeKalb Avenue where we used to play in the 1990s. They tore it down to create dorms for Pratt Institute. That was an early change, now they’re building condo’s around here.” She said. But that was just a pleasant response I received about the changes that are happening in Beford-Stuyvesant. I spoke to an older Lady named Margaret Williams and she seemed to be totally against gentrification. As a long-term resident of Bedford-Stuyvesant she believes that the growing of the neighborhood is at the cost of its culture and history. Ms. Williams expressed to me that she feels as if “We are being pushed out of our own …show more content…
neighborhood.” Gentrification is one of the biggest phenomenon’s occurring in some of our urban cities in the United States; it can be defined and broken down into many different ways. What exactly is Gentrification? Gentrification can best be defined as the “renovation of a run-down neighborhood and the influx of people from higher socioeconomic level”. <Macionis, John J., and Vincent N. Parrillo. Cities and Urban Life. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2007. Print. > Gentrification can initiate changes within a lower income/ poverty stricken neighborhood. Usually when gentrification comes about the incomes of residents that live within a particular neighborhood increase. Another factor to take into consideration when mention that us the force of economic eviction for the lower income residents that live within that community. There are many causes and explanations as to why gentrification is occurring in Bedford-Stuyvesant. Numbers within the census indicate change within the last 20 years. Bedford-Stuyvesant was a predominately African American neighborhood a few years ago but this is slowly changing. About 30-40 years ago Bedford-Stuyvesant was considered to be a black ghetto. Originally in the 1930’s Bedford-Stuyvesant started out as a white neighborhood. <Macionis, John J., and Vincent N. Parrillo. Cities and Urban Life. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2007. Print. > Kings County is now becoming one of the most diverse places in New York City. More Caucasian people are settling into these neighborhoods. Some people would categorize it as the “white flight”. The white flight is when upper and middle class whites move from the suburban areas to cities. White flight originally started once the Second World War ended. African Americans began trying to create their own homes in America 's cities. A large number of these women as well as men were starting to enter the middle class. Many with good jobs, a great sense of community values, and an education. In some circumstances, this led to racism; whites attempted to force blacks out. Once this plan became unsuccessful, the white population moved into the suburbs. This created primarily racially homogeneous neighborhoods. During the 1950s and 1960s the term "white flight" was created and it caused racial segregation in many American cities.< Macionis, John J., and Vincent N. Parrillo. Cities and Urban Life. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2007. Print.> In Bedford-Stuyvesant there is still a sense of residential segregation. Some specific sections in Bedford-Stuyvesant are majority white for example the northwestern section is majority white.
Some notable changes that are occurring in Bedford- Stuyvesant is the change in population and property value. According to the New York Times and Census data, within the past decade “the black population of Bedford dropped to 34,000 from 40,000, or to 49 percent from 69 percent.” < ROBERTS, SAM. "Striking Change in Bedford-Stuyvesant as the White Population Soars." NEW YORK TIMES. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/05/nyregion/in-bedford-stuyvesant-a-black-stronghold-a-growing-pool-of-whites.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0> That is an outstanding and drastic change in the matter of a few years. Once many of the African American’s leave this neighborhood, many new comers’ come along. Why are so many people leaving the neighborhood rapidly? Many African American are leaving this neighborhood because they can no longer afford to live here. A large number of landlords are hiking the prices up for the cost of rent. I spoke to a woman that used to live in Bedford-Stuyvesant and she said, “The cost of living in this beautiful community is just rising at a constant pace that I couldn’t handle. I had to move from my apartment because my landlord continuously raised the rent on me, I really couldn’t handle it anymore. I had to settle in another neighborhood.” Property values are beginning to increase which is making it difficult for some people that lives in this community to stay. Various people are trying to hold on as hard as they can, but many can’t. Reginald Davidson a current resident of Bedstuy shared with me “….We are still in a recession and the city isn’t diminishing the cost of living in this neighborhood, it continues to sky rocket. The large number of changes undergoing in this neighborhood is making it harder for people to prepare and keep up with the cost of living, which is said because many people are forced to leave this area...” A Large number of black American’s are moving to other neighborhoods such as Bushwick and East New York where it is more affordable from Bedford-Stuyvesant. With those African American’s leaving this neighborhood equals more Caucasians moving in. According to the New York Times and Census data, “the number of whites grew to more than 18,000, up from just over 2,000, or to 26 percent, up from 4 percent.” This is an amazing change for the neighborhood. Since the 20th century, Bedford-Stuyvesant has been a predominately African American neighborhood. Many individuals are happy for the diverse change. According to Census data, 75% of African American’s lived in Bedford-Stuyvesant a decade ago. However, according to the 2010 census data barley 60 percent of African Americans are living there now. That is the lowest it ever been in years. < US Census Bureau. "2010 Census." United States Census 2010. . U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. undefined.> Brownstones are also another reason why many people are flocking to Bedford-Stuyvesant. The cost of brownstones has taken a tremendous increase in value in the past few years. Brownstones hold a lot of sentimental value for some residents that live in Bedford-Stuyvesant. I interviewed a man named Clary Grant and he expressed to me “These Brownstones aren’t just buildings to me, they remind me of my grandparents struggle. My family has passed this home down from generation to generation. The way some of these people are just giving them up for the money is a shame. They [brownstones] should represent a sense of pride not just some assets to claim.” Various brownstones of Bedford Stuyvesant has been re-modeled/ Re-vamped over the past few years that also takes a toll on property value. In 2012 a brownstone located on 333 MacDonough St was sold for $1.34 million, which was a new record sale. This home was sold for 45,000 dollars more than the asking price. < JASON SHEFTELL . "Daily News." Daily News. DECEMBER 12, 2012. . undefined. <http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/real-estate/bed-stuy-record-breaker-article-1.1218738>. Another explanation why some of the cost of living has risen is because of the crime rates have dropped.
Another change that is occurring is the physical aspect of things. Many of these buildings/homes that are located in Bedford-Stuyvesant are really old and worn. Many buildings that were abandoned for years are being reconstructed. Once some of these homes were revamped. This drew many of the whites into the neighborhood. David Whaley states “This beautiful and vibrant neighborhood has been very homely to me once I moved here. When I first moved here there weren’t many other caucasians, but I’m glad to see the mixture recently. Bed-Stuy is a prospect for a great home.” The economic growth in this neighborhood has helped its physical state. Various businesses have opened such a new supermarkets, Café’s, Bagel shops and much more. There are positives and negatives to these changes. “This community has changed so much, for the better and the worst. I’ve seen Bedstuy in it’s lowest of lows and seeing these new businesses emerge is a good feeling to me. In my 71 years of living I would’ve never guess there would be a Coffee shop just up the block from me, let alone see a small mixture of white trying to make their way back to living here ” said 71 year old Loama Jones. Some of these new investments such as the supermarkets are more expensive but tend to have a better food selection of the food markets and restaurants are a little pricey. Many of the abandoned and rundown buildings were reconstructed into some of these small new businesses. The investments in these new businesses are changing to meet the needs of the new residents that are settling in. Another physical change that can be taken into consideration is the change in the subway conditions.
Bedford-Stuyvesant was considered to be one of the largest ghettos in the country. While this community keeps improving poverty is still a large issue. According to the census tract data in the year of 2000, 32.7% of people where using government assistance. That number has gone up at least 12 percent. 35% of Bedford-Stuyvesant’s residents are living in poverty. In addition, at least 35% of this historical community residents did not receive their high school diploma. That is nearly 16 percent of the cities 28% percent of non-high school graduates. The Sumner Armory, which is located in Bedford-Stuyvesant, is one of the largest homeless shelters. The average median income citywide is $61,000. For this neighborhood according to census data it is at a striking low of 28,000 as of 2010. Some of the new buildings had a large affect on the poverty level.
During the 80s Bedford-Stuyvesant was one of the worst/ most violent communities in New York City. The infamous “Do or Die” slogan was even created for the violent community. Statistics has shown that crime rates have dropped dramatically within this particular neighborhood. Data has proven that the 79th prescient, which ranges from the areas of Classon Ave and Marcus Garvey Blvd is down 14 percent from the years 2010-2011. < http://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/crime-safety-report/brooklyn> In addition, the 81st prescient, which ranges from Flushing to Atlantic Ave (north to south) has presented that crime reports are up by 2.7 percent in the years of 2010-2011. Overall with crime rates steady decreasing Bedford-Stuyvesant is rapidly transforming. Crimes have dropped to double digits, with murders being down by 54%. Robberies are also slowly going down by 73 percent. < http://www.ny1.com/content/top_stories/164959/brooklyn-week--with-crime-rates-down--bedford-stuyvesant-is-transforming> It is safe to say that the streets of Bedford-stuyvesant are way safer than 20 years ago. The amount of crimes has taken a total fall. Since the year of 1993 up until 2010 there was a 68 percent decrease in major crimes occurring in Bedford-Stuyvesant. However, there was big whopping 51 percent increase in rapes from the years of 2009- 2010. The 79th prescient reportedly recorded the rise of robberies, which were 375 to an increase of 433. Furthermore, the 81st prescient also rose from 327 to 353 within the last decade. At the zone of the 81st prescient, the category of felony assaults also took a rise of 32 percent from 247 to 327. However, the zone of the 79th prescient took a small decrease of nearly 9 percent. Another crime that has taken a decrease in this neighborhood is Car thefts, which has dipped about 7 percent.
Unemployment is also another factor that is affecting Bedford-Stuyvesant. According to statistics, the level of unemployment throughout the city is 9.1 percent. However, the unemployment rate is substantially higher in Bedford-Stuyvesant. This community unemployment percentage is 15.3%. < Junico Simino. (April 25, 2011 ). Crime in The Stuy: A Look at the Neighborhood. In Bed-Stuy Patch. Retrieved , from http://bed-stuy.patch.com/groups/police-and-fire/p/crime-in-the-stuy-a-look-at-the-neighborhood> With African American men being the highest in this category of the unemployed, it reflects some of the things in the neighborhood. As I mentioned before, a large number of people that reside in this neighborhood lack high school diplomas which causes them to feel an economic strain more than others. Various residents in this neighborhood can’t afford to go to college, which also makes things harder for them as well. Unfortunately, the sad truth about this is without the proper education in today’s world you aren’t going to get very far. According to statistics 5 percent of incarcerated males living in Bedford-Stuyvesant are convicted of drug crimes. <http://aspe.hhs.gov/hsp/prison2home02/Cadora.pdf> Unemployment rates has a little to do with this. Someone these males that are being incarcerated are unemployed which led them to selling drugs as a gateway. The lack of jobs causes street crimes that caused incarceration. Often times not always likely but the cycle continues. Young males see older males obtaining fast money to survive which leads to the younger males not trying to strive to get out of their neighborhoods. The root to this entire controversial topic is unemployment. A lot of this also has to do with racial profiling and police targeting in these particular neighborhoods. Racial profiling can best be described as “discriminatory practice by law enforcement officials of targeting individuals for suspicion of crime based on the individual 's race, ethnicity, religion or national origin. Criminal profiling, generally, as practiced by police, is the reliance on a group of characteristics they believe to be associated with crime.” < Joshua Correll. (November 23, 2005). Racial Profiling: Definition. In ACLU. Retrieved undefined, from http://www.aclu.org/racial-justice/racial-profiling-definition.>
In conclusion, overall there are many changes that are currently happening in Bedford-Stuyvesant.
One of the main things that is changing the neighborhood around in the act of Gentrification. Some are happy with the results of this matter, feeling as though it is uplifting the neighborhood. However, other feel as if the culture of Bedford-Stuyvesant is being destroyed. Many people love this charming community and it’s historical backgrounds, as well as its desirable Brownstones. Even though I have all of the research about this neighborhood, I still question the cities ability to help the people that are in poverty and the high number of unemployment in this wonderful community.
Bibliography
Byrne, J. Peter. "Two Cheers for Gentrification." Http://scholarship.law.georgetown.edu. Georgetown University Law Center, n.d. Web.
Cadora, Eric. "Criminal Justice and Health and Human Services: An Exploration of Overlapping Needs, Resources, and Interests in Brooklyn Neighborhoods." ASPE. N.p., n.d. Web.
< JASON SHEFTELL . "Daily News." Daily News. DECEMBER 12, 2012. . undefined.
<http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/real-estate/bed-stuy-record-breaker-article-1.1218738>.
Joshua Correll. (November 23, 2005). Racial Profiling: Definition. In ACLU. Retrieved undefined, from http://www.aclu.org/racial-justice/racial-profiling-definition
Macionis, John J., and Vincent N. Parrillo. Cities and Urban Life. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2007. Print. Book
Junico Simino. (April 25, 2011 ). Crime in The Stuy: A Look at the Neighborhood. In Bed-Stuy Patch. Retrieved , from http://bed-stuy.patch.com/groups/police-and-fire/p/crime-in-the-stuy-a-look-at-the-neighborhood http://www.ny1.com/content/top_stories/164959/brooklyn-week--with-crime-rates-down--bedford-stuyvesant-is-transforming ROBERTS, SAM. "Striking Change in Bedford-Stuyvesant as the White Population Soars." NEW YORK TIMES. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/05/nyregion/in-bedford-stuyvesant-a-black-stronghold-a-growing-pool-of-whites.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0>.
< US Census Bureau. "2010 Census." United States Census 2010. . U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. undefined.>
Neighborhoods throughout the world are constantly undergoing different changes especially in major cities. Some of these changes can either make a neighborhood or break a neighborhood. A particular community that was brought to my attention while I was doing my sociological research that has drastically changed within the last few years is Bedford–Stuyvesant. A big factor that has lead to this historical community undergoing change is Gentrification. Gentrification has had many positive affects on Bedford–Stuyvesant and has also taken a few negative tolls to this community as well. Bedford-Stuyvesant was exclaimed to be in the top-25 fastest-gentrifying neighborhoods according to Census data. This community is ranked number …show more content…
six in the fastest growing neighborhoods.
Some residents are happy with the change that is being done in the neighborhood, other despise the changes going on in the neighborhood.
As I walked around in this beautiful community I asked some residents how it used to be. I received a response from an older woman saying, “I love this place, so many memories were built here in my childhood along with my 6 siblings. There used to be a tennis court along with a track and field court on DeKalb Avenue where we used to play in the 1990s. They tore it down to create dorms for Pratt Institute. That was an early change, now they’re building condo’s around here.” She said. But that was just a pleasant response I received about the changes that are happening in Beford-Stuyvesant. I spoke to an older Lady named Margaret Williams and she seemed to be totally against gentrification. As a long-term resident of Bedford-Stuyvesant she believes that the growing of the neighborhood is at the cost of its culture and history. Ms. Williams expressed to me that she feels as if “We are being pushed out of our own …show more content…
neighborhood.” Gentrification is one of the biggest phenomenon’s occurring in some of our urban cities in the United States; it can be defined and broken down into many different ways. What exactly is Gentrification? Gentrification can best be defined as the “renovation of a run-down neighborhood and the influx of people from higher socioeconomic level”. <Macionis, John J., and Vincent N. Parrillo. Cities and Urban Life. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2007. Print. > Gentrification can initiate changes within a lower income/ poverty stricken neighborhood. Usually when gentrification comes about the incomes of residents that live within a particular neighborhood increase. Another factor to take into consideration when mention that us the force of economic eviction for the lower income residents that live within that community. There are many causes and explanations as to why gentrification is occurring in Bedford-Stuyvesant. Numbers within the census indicate change within the last 20 years. Bedford-Stuyvesant was a predominately African American neighborhood a few years ago but this is slowly changing. About 30-40 years ago Bedford-Stuyvesant was considered to be a black ghetto. Originally in the 1930’s Bedford-Stuyvesant started out as a white neighborhood. <Macionis, John J., and Vincent N. Parrillo. Cities and Urban Life. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2007. Print. > Kings County is now becoming one of the most diverse places in New York City. More Caucasian people are settling into these neighborhoods. Some people would categorize it as the “white flight”. The white flight is when upper and middle class whites move from the suburban areas to cities. White flight originally started once the Second World War ended. African Americans began trying to create their own homes in America 's cities. A large number of these women as well as men were starting to enter the middle class. Many with good jobs, a great sense of community values, and an education. In some circumstances, this led to racism; whites attempted to force blacks out. Once this plan became unsuccessful, the white population moved into the suburbs. This created primarily racially homogeneous neighborhoods. During the 1950s and 1960s the term "white flight" was created and it caused racial segregation in many American cities.< Macionis, John J., and Vincent N. Parrillo. Cities and Urban Life. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2007. Print.> In Bedford-Stuyvesant there is still a sense of residential segregation. Some specific sections in Bedford-Stuyvesant are majority white for example the northwestern section is majority white.
Some notable changes that are occurring in Bedford- Stuyvesant is the change in population and property value. According to the New York Times and Census data, within the past decade “the black population of Bedford dropped to 34,000 from 40,000, or to 49 percent from 69 percent.” < ROBERTS, SAM. "Striking Change in Bedford-Stuyvesant as the White Population Soars." NEW YORK TIMES. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/05/nyregion/in-bedford-stuyvesant-a-black-stronghold-a-growing-pool-of-whites.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0> That is an outstanding and drastic change in the matter of a few years. Once many of the African American’s leave this neighborhood, many new comers’ come along. Why are so many people leaving the neighborhood rapidly? Many African American are leaving this neighborhood because they can no longer afford to live here. A large number of landlords are hiking the prices up for the cost of rent. I spoke to a woman that used to live in Bedford-Stuyvesant and she said, “The cost of living in this beautiful community is just rising at a constant pace that I couldn’t handle. I had to move from my apartment because my landlord continuously raised the rent on me, I really couldn’t handle it anymore. I had to settle in another neighborhood.” Property values are beginning to increase which is making it difficult for some people that lives in this community to stay. Various people are trying to hold on as hard as they can, but many can’t. Reginald Davidson a current resident of Bedstuy shared with me “….We are still in a recession and the city isn’t diminishing the cost of living in this neighborhood, it continues to sky rocket. The large number of changes undergoing in this neighborhood is making it harder for people to prepare and keep up with the cost of living, which is said because many people are forced to leave this area...” A Large number of black American’s are moving to other neighborhoods such as Bushwick and East New York where it is more affordable from Bedford-Stuyvesant. With those African American’s leaving this neighborhood equals more Caucasians moving in. According to the New York Times and Census data, “the number of whites grew to more than 18,000, up from just over 2,000, or to 26 percent, up from 4 percent.” This is an amazing change for the neighborhood. Since the 20th century, Bedford-Stuyvesant has been a predominately African American neighborhood. Many individuals are happy for the diverse change. According to Census data, 75% of African American’s lived in Bedford-Stuyvesant a decade ago. However, according to the 2010 census data barley 60 percent of African Americans are living there now. That is the lowest it ever been in years. < US Census Bureau. "2010 Census." United States Census 2010. . U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. undefined.> Brownstones are also another reason why many people are flocking to Bedford-Stuyvesant. The cost of brownstones has taken a tremendous increase in value in the past few years. Brownstones hold a lot of sentimental value for some residents that live in Bedford-Stuyvesant. I interviewed a man named Clary Grant and he expressed to me “These Brownstones aren’t just buildings to me, they remind me of my grandparents struggle. My family has passed this home down from generation to generation. The way some of these people are just giving them up for the money is a shame. They [brownstones] should represent a sense of pride not just some assets to claim.” Various brownstones of Bedford Stuyvesant has been re-modeled/ Re-vamped over the past few years that also takes a toll on property value. In 2012 a brownstone located on 333 MacDonough St was sold for $1.34 million, which was a new record sale. This home was sold for 45,000 dollars more than the asking price. < JASON SHEFTELL . "Daily News." Daily News. DECEMBER 12, 2012. . undefined. <http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/real-estate/bed-stuy-record-breaker-article-1.1218738>. Another explanation why some of the cost of living has risen is because of the crime rates have dropped.
Another change that is occurring is the physical aspect of things. Many of these buildings/homes that are located in Bedford-Stuyvesant are really old and worn. Many buildings that were abandoned for years are being reconstructed. Once some of these homes were revamped. This drew many of the whites into the neighborhood. David Whaley states “This beautiful and vibrant neighborhood has been very homely to me once I moved here. When I first moved here there weren’t many other caucasians, but I’m glad to see the mixture recently. Bed-Stuy is a prospect for a great home.” The economic growth in this neighborhood has helped its physical state. Various businesses have opened such a new supermarkets, Café’s, Bagel shops and much more. There are positives and negatives to these changes. “This community has changed so much, for the better and the worst. I’ve seen Bedstuy in it’s lowest of lows and seeing these new businesses emerge is a good feeling to me. In my 71 years of living I would’ve never guess there would be a Coffee shop just up the block from me, let alone see a small mixture of white trying to make their way back to living here ” said 71 year old Loama Jones. Some of these new investments such as the supermarkets are more expensive but tend to have a better food selection of the food markets and restaurants are a little pricey. Many of the abandoned and rundown buildings were reconstructed into some of these small new businesses. The investments in these new businesses are changing to meet the needs of the new residents that are settling in. Another physical change that can be taken into consideration is the change in the subway conditions.
Bedford-Stuyvesant was considered to be one of the largest ghettos in the country. While this community keeps improving poverty is still a large issue. According to the census tract data in the year of 2000, 32.7% of people where using government assistance. That number has gone up at least 12 percent. 35% of Bedford-Stuyvesant’s residents are living in poverty. In addition, at least 35% of this historical community residents did not receive their high school diploma. That is nearly 16 percent of the cities 28% percent of non-high school graduates. The Sumner Armory, which is located in Bedford-Stuyvesant, is one of the largest homeless shelters. The average median income citywide is $61,000. For this neighborhood according to census data it is at a striking low of 28,000 as of 2010. Some of the new buildings had a large affect on the poverty level.
During the 80s Bedford-Stuyvesant was one of the worst/ most violent communities in New York City. The infamous “Do or Die” slogan was even created for the violent community. Statistics has shown that crime rates have dropped dramatically within this particular neighborhood. Data has proven that the 79th prescient, which ranges from the areas of Classon Ave and Marcus Garvey Blvd is down 14 percent from the years 2010-2011. < http://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/crime-safety-report/brooklyn> In addition, the 81st prescient, which ranges from Flushing to Atlantic Ave (north to south) has presented that crime reports are up by 2.7 percent in the years of 2010-2011. Overall with crime rates steady decreasing Bedford-Stuyvesant is rapidly transforming. Crimes have dropped to double digits, with murders being down by 54%. Robberies are also slowly going down by 73 percent. < http://www.ny1.com/content/top_stories/164959/brooklyn-week--with-crime-rates-down--bedford-stuyvesant-is-transforming> It is safe to say that the streets of Bedford-stuyvesant are way safer than 20 years ago. The amount of crimes has taken a total fall. Since the year of 1993 up until 2010 there was a 68 percent decrease in major crimes occurring in Bedford-Stuyvesant. However, there was big whopping 51 percent increase in rapes from the years of 2009- 2010. The 79th prescient reportedly recorded the rise of robberies, which were 375 to an increase of 433. Furthermore, the 81st prescient also rose from 327 to 353 within the last decade. At the zone of the 81st prescient, the category of felony assaults also took a rise of 32 percent from 247 to 327. However, the zone of the 79th prescient took a small decrease of nearly 9 percent. Another crime that has taken a decrease in this neighborhood is Car thefts, which has dipped about 7 percent.
Unemployment is also another factor that is affecting Bedford-Stuyvesant. According to statistics, the level of unemployment throughout the city is 9.1 percent. However, the unemployment rate is substantially higher in Bedford-Stuyvesant. This community unemployment percentage is 15.3%. < Junico Simino. (April 25, 2011 ). Crime in The Stuy: A Look at the Neighborhood. In Bed-Stuy Patch. Retrieved , from http://bed-stuy.patch.com/groups/police-and-fire/p/crime-in-the-stuy-a-look-at-the-neighborhood> With African American men being the highest in this category of the unemployed, it reflects some of the things in the neighborhood. As I mentioned before, a large number of people that reside in this neighborhood lack high school diplomas which causes them to feel an economic strain more than others. Various residents in this neighborhood can’t afford to go to college, which also makes things harder for them as well. Unfortunately, the sad truth about this is without the proper education in today’s world you aren’t going to get very far. According to statistics 5 percent of incarcerated males living in Bedford-Stuyvesant are convicted of drug crimes. <http://aspe.hhs.gov/hsp/prison2home02/Cadora.pdf> Unemployment rates has a little to do with this. Someone these males that are being incarcerated are unemployed which led them to selling drugs as a gateway. The lack of jobs causes street crimes that caused incarceration. Often times not always likely but the cycle continues. Young males see older males obtaining fast money to survive which leads to the younger males not trying to strive to get out of their neighborhoods. The root to this entire controversial topic is unemployment. A lot of this also has to do with racial profiling and police targeting in these particular neighborhoods. Racial profiling can best be described as “discriminatory practice by law enforcement officials of targeting individuals for suspicion of crime based on the individual 's race, ethnicity, religion or national origin. Criminal profiling, generally, as practiced by police, is the reliance on a group of characteristics they believe to be associated with crime.” < Joshua Correll. (November 23, 2005). Racial Profiling: Definition. In ACLU. Retrieved undefined, from http://www.aclu.org/racial-justice/racial-profiling-definition.>
In conclusion, overall there are many changes that are currently happening in Bedford-Stuyvesant.
One of the main things that is changing the neighborhood around in the act of Gentrification. Some are happy with the results of this matter, feeling as though it is uplifting the neighborhood. However, other feel as if the culture of Bedford-Stuyvesant is being destroyed. Many people love this charming community and it’s historical backgrounds, as well as its desirable Brownstones. Even though I have all of the research about this neighborhood, I still question the cities ability to help the people that are in poverty and the high number of unemployment in this wonderful community.
Bibliography
Byrne, J. Peter. "Two Cheers for Gentrification." Http://scholarship.law.georgetown.edu. Georgetown University Law Center, n.d. Web.
Cadora, Eric. "Criminal Justice and Health and Human Services: An Exploration of Overlapping Needs, Resources, and Interests in Brooklyn Neighborhoods." ASPE. N.p., n.d. Web.
< JASON SHEFTELL . "Daily News." Daily News. DECEMBER 12, 2012. . undefined.
<http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/real-estate/bed-stuy-record-breaker-article-1.1218738>.
Joshua Correll. (November 23, 2005). Racial Profiling: Definition. In ACLU. Retrieved undefined, from http://www.aclu.org/racial-justice/racial-profiling-definition
Macionis, John J., and Vincent N. Parrillo. Cities and Urban Life. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2007. Print. Book
Junico Simino. (April 25, 2011 ). Crime in The Stuy: A Look at the Neighborhood. In Bed-Stuy Patch. Retrieved , from http://bed-stuy.patch.com/groups/police-and-fire/p/crime-in-the-stuy-a-look-at-the-neighborhood http://www.ny1.com/content/top_stories/164959/brooklyn-week--with-crime-rates-down--bedford-stuyvesant-is-transforming ROBERTS, SAM. "Striking Change in Bedford-Stuyvesant as the White Population Soars." NEW YORK TIMES. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/05/nyregion/in-bedford-stuyvesant-a-black-stronghold-a-growing-pool-of-whites.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0>.
< US Census Bureau. "2010 Census." United States Census 2010. . U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. undefined.>