Degree of danger facing a white visitor to the Southside and Westside? (Chicago: insurance, violent crime)

[gomexico]

Originally Posted by michaelwest

What risk though will I actually face while visiting these neighbourhoods?

Given that you're unfamiliar with these areas, I do think you'd accept considerable risk to your safety if yoiu wandered about ... unaccompanied by someone very familiar with each of the areas. The best course of action is probably to network with community organizations which may be willing to assist you with your research and accompany you.

[oakparkdude]

I'm assuming you are familiar with the work of Sudhir Venkatesh?

[chet everett]

Gang Leader for a Day?

What fun...

[reppin_the_847]

At least the legendary Sudhir could potentially pass for a brother that happens to have good hair. A typical Aussie might have a bit more difficulty pulling off what someone of south Indian descent can pull off.

Originally Posted by oakparkdude

I'm assuming you are familiar with the work of Sudhir Venkatesh?

[chicagobear]

Unfortunately I do think the risk is too high to do this by yourself.

[Just1Fan]

I wonder how many white visitors were victims of violent crimes on the south side of Chicago last year... or any year. It's like all they do, on the south side, is prey on people who they don't even know.

Oh look, there's a face that's not from around here. Lets go attack that white person so the police can shut down the entire neighborhood.

[ChicagoMeO]

do your research with another black guy or two and you'll probably be ok.

[Just1Fan]

Originally Posted by ChicagoMeO

do your research with another black guy or two and you'll probably be ok.

This

[TBideon]

Originally Posted by Just1Fan

I wonder how many white visitors were victims of violent crimes on the south side of Chicago last year... or any year. It's like all they do, on the south side, is prey on people who they don't even know.

Oh look, there's a face that's not from around here. Lets go attack that white person so the police can shut down the entire neighborhood.

If a white dude or girl was walking unescorted in Cabrini or Taylor 25 years ago, precautions would absolutely be warranted. Walking in bad, unfamilair neighborhoods is no different, even for brave keyboard warriors.

[quigboto]

There's an organization called CureViolence (Formerly known as "Cease Fire") which is heavily involved in high crime communities. Their job is pretty much gang intervention. They try to mediate situations between gang bangers. Many of the volunteers are ex gang members themselves. I think if you contacted them, they could at the very least offer some helpful advice or direct you to some resources in the community, and maybe best-case, one of their "Interruptors" might be willing to accompany you in your endeavors. Who knows? Might be worth checking out.
The organization, and it's volunteers were the subject of the documentary film "The Interruptors"