Herman describes how ethnic succession that takes place within a community. He contrives where one ethnic group replaces another through an initial small inlet, which results in an absolute succession, and eventually a completely new community. The transition from one group to another happens through the infiltration of values, religion, business and politics, which define the new incoming ethnic group. These variables are also often the root of conflict for the group that is being forced out of the area, with little choice. Herman explains how “pioneers” are the initial catalyst for the residential cultural change, and what begins as something small, builds momentum and grows into something influencial – a convincing explanation for the shifts that take place within these neighborhoods. The drastic shrinking of Little Italy in New York City that has taken place within the past century is an example of such change. Edison, New Jersey, with its world renown “Oak Tree Road,” offers another such paradigm, which has lead to the establishment of the most concentrated Indian population outside of India today; this cultural presence is evident in businesses, the local governing body and the school statistics with Asian prominence. Countless areas within South Africa have also been witness to such changes. Originally during the Apartheid era, races and ethnic groups were forcefully divided into “homelands” throughout the country. Yet today, as different races gain wealth and power, the structure of prosperous urban places has begun to shift and change.
Anbinder follows a similar path to Herman in describing the invasion of a different ethnic group. However, Anbinder also notes how power and politics is often defined by who is considered inferior vs. superior. The perceptions and stereotypes of certain groups also affect their ease in entering a neighborhood. The general wealth of the community is also a defining factor, which Anbinder explains through his example of the 1830’s uproar in New York regarding the African American population. At this time African Americans were considered poor and inferior, the slaves, not owners, and had been stereotyped in such a negative light that their very presence was frowned upon. Anbinder implies that these were several of the reasons and underlying causes for the anti-abolitionist riot.
Changes within neighborhoods occur on a daily basis. One initial seed planted can often result in a drastic change by building support and influence over the area politically, socially, economically and religiously.
– Kristy Timms
