In the readings we always see that ethnic groups get the short end of the stick. In the second chapter of Tom Angotti’s book, we continue to see that ethnic groups get the stick in real estate. Tom Angotti writes, “Central locations are generally highest in land value, and as land values in central areas go up, rents go up…this creates a ripple effect that forces people out and creates opportunities for redevelopment. This is the central dynamic underlying what is now called gentrification, a product of the normal operation of the real estate market as it pushes out poor people and people of color and brings in people who can pay higher rents” (43). Since immigrants are a large part of the labor force, it’s impossible for them to afford the high rents in upscale neighborhoods with their low wages.

On pages 47 and 48 are two maps of the city showing the percentage of poverty and the percentage of non-Hispanic Blacks. The maps match up with the high percentages of poverty and high percentages of immigration being in the same area and vice versa. These maps further show how segregated the city can be. Even if people of color have the money to live in the upscale neighborhoods, “the sale and rental of property is color-coded” (49). Racism, discrimination, and “racial steering” prevent immigrants from moving into white neighborhoods.

There is also “blockbusting,” which exploits ethnic groups to satisfy the real estate greed. Rumors are spread that people of color are moving in to lower home values, which would allow realtors to buy homes for low prices and then sell the homes at high prices to people of color. They are being used to change neighborhood values, like that example of a Puerto Rican restaurant being a “blight” and that its presence would lower a neighborhood’s value.

People of color are constantly being pushed around and exploited. They live in their own neighborhoods separate from white neighborhoods. For a city that is known to be multicultural, this doesn’t look like it.

Discussion Question: Can New York City really be called a melting pot despite being heavily segregated?