In the first reading, every theory, in its most basic concept, attempts to connect the effects of economic changes and it’s effect on urban and suburban populations. No theory can then ever be more correct then another because the economy and the population is constantly changing. Every theory is a product of its time and place. The reading from Black Corona is extremely relevant to today. We often approach this discussion with the words “cycle of poverty”, but instead of taking responsibility for such destructive cycles, we blame the residents for crime and joblessness. We see this problem perpetuated by the media as well. In all the movies released in the past ten years, those dealing with the “black experience” have often been on the topic of slavery, civil rights, or life in a black ghetto.

I have often wondered how a city can grow without necessarily introducing gentrification. It has negative consequences, but is it not a necessary evil for the sake of successful cities? Since we have been aware of the problems with American ghettos and the cycle of poverty for ages, why have we seen no major efforts to break the cycle?