Racial Segregation
As we walk through our schools and communities, we see one thing, segregation. Is this segregation caused by a corrupt society though? No. It is merely people living and socializing where they feel it is most affordable and comfortable. Individuals in society live to their own standards, producing their own living conditions. Residential segregation and school segregation are two concepts widely viewed as a result of white racism. These two notions, however, are not connected by the popular scapegoat of racism, but by the effects caused by what are suitable and appropriate living conditions for people.
Residential segregation is defined as “the physical separation of cultural groups based on residence and housing,” which sorts different populations into their own sectors (Schaeffer) (1). The main “issue” of residential segregation is the wealthier white community not allowing blacks to move into their neighborhoods, which is true in some atypical cases. However, it doesn’t make sense why anyone would want to live in a neighborhood where they feel threatened or unwelcome, pertaining to the minuscule amount of neighborhoods that still practice racism. Real estate companies are assumed to sell certain properties to individuals based on race. Yet, this point is not valid. Buyers give real estate agents a budget for what they can afford and this is the factor that limits them to specific neighborhoods. Statistically, minorities’ average income is less than that of a white person. Therefore, they can only afford certain size houses in particular neighborhoods. In reality, people living where they can afford causes this so called residential segregation. In many societies, environmental racism is seen as a major contributing factor to residential segregation. Environmental racism is when low income or minority communities have inferior living conditions compared to that of wealthier/non minority communities. This whole concept directly correlates to residential
Residential segregation is defined as “the physical separation of cultural groups based on residence and housing,” which sorts different populations into their own sectors (Schaeffer) (1). The main “issue” of residential segregation is the wealthier white community not allowing blacks to move into their neighborhoods, which is true in some atypical cases. However, it doesn’t make sense why anyone would want to live in a neighborhood where they feel threatened or unwelcome, pertaining to the minuscule amount of neighborhoods that still practice racism. Real estate companies are assumed to sell certain properties to individuals based on race. Yet, this point is not valid. Buyers give real estate agents a budget for what they can afford and this is the factor that limits them to specific neighborhoods. Statistically, minorities’ average income is less than that of a white person. Therefore, they can only afford certain size houses in particular neighborhoods. In reality, people living where they can afford causes this so called residential segregation. In many societies, environmental racism is seen as a major contributing factor to residential segregation. Environmental racism is when low income or minority communities have inferior living conditions compared to that of wealthier/non minority communities. This whole concept directly correlates to residential
Cited: 1 Schaeffer, Richard T. Race and Ethnicity in the United States. 4th ed. Upper Saddle River: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2007. page 28 2 Cutter, Susan. "The Geography of Social Vulnerability: Race, Class, and Catastrophe." Understanding Katrina: Perspectives from the Social Sciences. 11 June 2006. Web. 26 Oct. 2011. <http://understandingkatrina.ssrc.org/Cutter/>. 3 Lois, Quinn M., and John Pawasarat. "Racial Integration in 100 Largest Metro Areas." University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Jan. 2003. Web. 26 Oct. 2011. <http://www4.uwm.edu/eti/integration/integration.htm>. 4 Campbell, Luther. "Kids Aren 't Racist, Schools Are - Page 1 - News - Miami - Miami New Times." Miami News, Events, Restaurants, Music Miami New Times. 29 Sept. 2011. Web. 26 Oct. 2011. <http://www.miaminewtimes.com/2011-09 -29/news/kids-aren-t-racist-schools-are/>. 5 "Identification Flow Chart." Horizons Information. Web. 26 Oct. 2011. <http://www.cfisd.net/dept2/curricu/gifted/parents/IdentificationFlowChart.pdf>. 6 Fish, Larri. "Building Blocks: The First Steps of Creating a Multicultural Classroom." EdChange - Diversity, Multicultural, Cultural Competence, & Inclusion Education Training. Siena College. Web. 26 Oct. 2011. <http://www.edchange.org/multicultural/papers/buildingblocks.html>.