Conservative Chicago? (Orland Park, Lockport, Chester: buying, living in, moving)

[Avengerfire]

So it is racist if people want to live around people like themselves? We would have no nations or ethic groups if people did not gravitate towards people like themselves.

[aragx6]

We have ethnic groups because people want to live around people who look like them? That doesn't even make any sense.

If by "like themselves" you mean people with similar mores and values, then I have no problem with that. (If I did, I'd be a real hypocrite given that I surround myself by those with whom I share my values). If by "like themselves" you mean people who all look the same, then yes, again, I believe that's regressive and racist.

[Avengerfire]

So what is next? Someone is a "racist" because he/she may not be attracted to women or men with certain features that mainly come from certain ethnic or racial backrounds? If that person chooses not to date outside their racial or ethnic group he/she is "racist?"

[Attrill]

Originally Posted by Avengerfire

So it is racist if people want to live around people like themselves? We would have no nations or ethic groups if people did not gravitate towards people like themselves.

It is racist to view race as being an important part of what makes someone like yourself. I'm a white middle aged guy and I know plenty of Black, Hispanic, and Asian people who are much more like me than many white middle aged guys I know.

[Jandur]

Originally Posted by aragx6

We have ethnic groups because people want to live around people who look like them? That doesn't even make any sense.

If by "like themselves" you mean people with similar mores and values, then I have no problem with that. (If I did, I'd be a real hypocrite given that I surround myself by those with whom I share my values). If by "like themselves" you mean people who all look the same, then yes, again, I believe that's regressive and racist.

It's not really racist by any means, and really it falls in line with the logic that you agree with. People of similar values/culture/whatever generally look alike. Ethnicity/Culture/Values usually (not always though) fall in line with race. If you're hispanic, and you want to live around a bunch of Catholics who like salsa music and value traditional family structure, you'll probably end up living with a bunch of other Hispanics that look like you.

Even without values taken into consideration, yes, people want to be around people who look like themselves so they don't feel out of place. People want to be comfortable in their surroundings. Any sociologist will tell you the same thing.

[Chi-town Native]

Originally Posted by Avengerfire

Bronzeville and parts of other neighborhoods on the south side have been majority black for well over 80 years.

What an interesting coincidence you chose 80 years. What happened 81 years ago?

Chicago Race Riot of 1919 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Oh yeah. The events that prove my point.

You're like that Cubs broadcaster who says "In the last 13 games, so-and-so has been hitting .400," ignoring the rest of a lackluster season.

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by Chi-town Native

...

Chicago Race Riot of 1919 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Oh yeah. The events that prove my point...

What is that? That people white and black can act like fools?

[Chi-town Native]

Originally Posted by Avengerfire

What is that? That people white and black can act like fools?

Based on your liberal usage of the smacking-yourself-in-the-head icon, you're not having a good day, are you?

But let me just make sure I understand you.

You are saying that "people white and black can act like fools" is the take-home message of the worst race riot in Illinois' history?

Did those black people choose to segregate themselves to black-only beaches and neighborhoods?

[Chi-town Native]

Originally Posted by aragx6

Fine. But just so we're clear on exactly what I mean and don't mean: I have no respect for someone who wishes to surround themselves with those racially homogenous to themselves. I don't care what your motive or reasoning is. I don't care if you're scared or apathetic or just hesitant to change. I don't care if you are white or black or any other race or ethnicity.

That does not mean that I think every person who lives in a majority white or black or whatever neighborhood is racist. Your family might have lived in the area for generations; you might have moved there for the schools or the cultural amenties; you might have moved to be near your family. There are many and varied reasons for choosing a place to live. But if racial makeup is the main factor in your decision to live in a place, then to me, you are racist.

I hope that's clear.

btw, that was very well articulated, thanks.

[aragx6]

Originally Posted by Jandur

It's not really racist by any means, and really it falls in line with the logic that you agree with. People of similar values/culture/whatever generally look alike. Ethnicity/Culture/Values usually (not always though) fall in line with race. If you're hispanic, and you want to live around a bunch of Catholics who like salsa music and value traditional family structure, you'll probably end up living with a bunch of other Hispanics that look like you.

Even without values taken into consideration, yes, people want to be around people who look like themselves so they don't feel out of place. People want to be comfortable in their surroundings. Any sociologist will tell you the same thing.

Thanks for the lesson on what "any sociologist" will tell you.