As everyone’s been pointing out, the conflict that arises when different groups try to protect their turf was the common theme that linked all these readings together. Amidst the violent gang action and blockbusting, Brownsville proved to be a bit refreshing this week; though in the end the Brownsville community did not get to improve itself in the ways in which it had hoped, the BCC put so much effort into their attempts to help the community out of what seemed to be genuine interest. Though there was protesting and rock throwing described within these two chapters as well, the people involved in this council were, as Jessica quoted, “just wonderful people, committed to improving the neighborhood.” The melancholic close of chapter eight saddened me a great deal, because this council truly seemed to have to community’s best interests at heart. “…unlike many other organizations, the BCC did not face allegations of mismanagement or misuse of funds. In fact, city officials pointed to the group as a model for other antipoverty agencies” (216).
Susan’s question proved to be a bit difficult for me to answer. I know that I definitely don’t believe that singling out the blacks and trying to help them makes the situation any better. Like Alexandra pointed out, good intentions or not, this is racist within itself, and practically labels poverty as a black or “other” problem. Referring back to Alex’s response, I think that cultural awareness classes would be beneficial where “blending in” is concerned. It’s tricky to come up with a suitable response as to how to deal with the poverty problem. It brings this question onto the floor as to whether or not poverty is a race-determined issue. Or rather, the question comes to mind when I think about it at least.
Alexa brought up a point that kept tossing around restlessly in my head while reading Sciorra and Reider. I couldn’t imagine such violent, racially driven attacks happening in New York City. Or rather, I couldn’t imagine these events happening so recently. Sciorra described an event that took place only 2 decades ago- practically right before we were all born! While I know that racism still exists in New York City today, the situation’s obviously cooled down a great deal these past years. I definitely agree with Jessica when she says that New York is less tainted with conflict (on the surface at least); however, I think it’s a bit too optimistic to say that a balance between government involvement and activist influence will arise. Perhaps this could be achieved, but it may only last a given amount of time.
I can’t help but wonder whether New Yorkers would protect their turf the same way today though. It is evident that certain areas “belong” to certain ethnicities, but I can’t imagine anyone threatening their neighbor for selling their home to the “other.”
