In the various neighborhoods throughout New York City’s history, shifts in the populations of residents in areas, underscored in places as Corona or Five Points, were routinely incited by ignorance, racism, and a fear of the decline in value of personal assets. Upon realizing a potential influx of blacks would devastate the social sanctity and economic worth of neighborhoods, “white flight” became a reoccurring theme as white Americans flocked to suburbs. Apparently, as highlighted in Gregory’s depiction of Lefrak City, often residents would be able to discern a difference and shift between black residents of a “high class” or “friendly” disposition, compared to those with less than appealing hair styles or outer-wear. Unfortunately, these newer residents were not looked upon in the same light, but rather perceived as “horrible”, while fear neighborhoods would become a “welfare haven” spread (113).
What is ironic about the nature of movements as “white flight,” or fears that newer populations would deteriorate neighborhoods, is the relative truth to which these fears actually unfold. Once a certain foundational population flees, fewer funds are then delegated, and these areas are ultimately paid less attention to by respective governing bodies. Neighborhoods eventually DO begin to decline, this fulfilling the stereotyped prophesies. How disturbing.
