Racial tension in Chicago? (Bridgeport, Woodlawn: foreclosure, cottage, rated)

[mlogan0301]

Originally Posted by skyeINIL

Can you give examples of this? I am a former Southsider (currently living in non-diverse Northwest Indiana town) and can't say that I feel any particular disgust toward Southside blacks. Maybe I'm not understanding the question.

During my relocation process (i.e. asking questions about each side of town and where AA's live), I came across quite a few AA's who seem to frown down upon other AA's who don't live in the best areas of the Southside (i.e. Hyde Park/Beverly, etc.). I completely understand all of the posts and threads about safety and where not to go for precautionary methods. However, it is almost as if AA's don't view other AA's who live on the Southside in a positive manner if they choose to live on the Southside (whether it be for work, money, convenience, etc.) One person actually said to me, "must you live on the Southside?" As if living there would somehow degrade my stance as a human being because it is the Southside.

I hope that makes more sense.

[skyeINIL]

Yes, that makes more sense. I'm sorry I can't shed any light on it. I've never experienced it, so I wouldn't have the first clue about the reasons behind those feelings.

[mlogan0301]

Understandable, but thanks for responding all the same.

[Drover]

You seem determined to frame it strictly in terms of race. As has been explained to you before, the disdain has to do with the condition of many south side neighborhoods rather than the color of the people who live there. Even so, race issues will inevitably be implicated because of the preponderance of AAs in the not-so-great neighborhoods. People who ask you if you must live on the south side are not judging you as a person. They're trying to make sure you know what you may be getting yourself into. There's a reason why even blacks are leaving many south side neighborhoods if they have the means.

[mlogan0301]

I framed it to race because that is what I personally experienced. I understood what was addressed to me previously in past forum discussions, but because it has occurred again recently, I was just wondering if I was missing something, possibly some sort of history of north vs. south type of deal.

[ajolotl]

It is called classism and it transcends race. I have black friends and coworkers exactly as you describe -- they think the south side (outside of the prime neighborhoods) is disgusting. No different from how a white person might consider a working class white area too redneck for them.

[mlogan0301]

Valid point ajolotl! I overlooked the classism issue.

[ChiMack]

Originally Posted by mlogan0301

Why is interracial segregation between the north and Southside so prevalent among African-Americans? It is mind-boggling to hear how much the Southside (minus Hyde Park/Beverly/Woodlawn)

well woodlawn is still majority black

[snoylekim]

And , not sure if it still occurs, but South Side AAs cast dispersions on West Side AAs ... and so it goes ..

[ajolotl]

Racial composition aside, it is true that Woodlawn does not deserve any kind of exalted status among south side islands of prosperity. Just south of the university is sketchy (but improving rapidly); everything west of cottage though is a complete mess. There are entire blocks of foreclosures and the feeling that young thugs are in charge. I often take 67th street on my way back to beverly from Woodlawn -- I could understand not feeling comfortable there. Nothing in the immediate vicinity of Beverly looks like that at all (referring to discussion in another thread).

Originally Posted by ChiMack

well woodlawn is still majority black