New Orleans Regional Togetherness? (Kenner, Jefferson: home, gated, living in)

[Micktooth]

Why is it that the relatively "small" New Orleans metro area has such a hard time coming together? The individual Parishes act like seperate cities. People in Jefferson Parish consider Orleans Parish not to be their problem. The North Shore folk are proud to be there and not in "New Orleans". Most people living outside of Orleans Parish only consider themseves New Orlenians when it comes to rooting for the Saints. I think this is one of the major reasons it is taking so long for the area to recover. Until people start thinking as "one" and not "us" and "them", the greater New Orleans area will continue to struggle on its very long road to recovery. Any thoughts?

[BRMan]

Originally Posted by Micktooth

Until people start thinking as "one" and not "us" and "them", the greater New Orleans area will continue to struggle on its very long road to recovery. Any thoughts?

The New Orleans political class isn't helping matters much, either.

[IloveNOLA]

Originally Posted by Micktooth

Why is it that the relatively "small" New Orleans metro area has such a hard time coming together? The individual Parishes act like seperate cities. People in Jefferson Parish consider Orleans Parish not to be their problem. The North Shore folk are proud to be there and not in "New Orleans". Most people living outside of Orleans Parish only consider themseves New Orlenians when it comes to rooting for the Saints. I think this is one of the major reasons it is taking so long for the area to recover. Until people start thinking as "one" and not "us" and "them", the greater New Orleans area will continue to struggle on its very long road to recovery. Any thoughts?

One thing that should be taken into account is that different parts of the metro area are separated by a fairly large lake, as well as a river with only three nearby bridge crossing. So geography might have something to do with not working together.

Many in the suburbs may not live in the city, but they somewhat live vicariously in it. They closely follow its politics, take part in cultural, entertainment, and sporting events there, and probably have some family connection to the city. They may not like its current political climate, but I think deep down many want to see the city do well. Interestingly, I have several acquaintances who have moved from the suburbs into the city after having never lived in it before.

[Xcaped NOLA]

Your absolutely right. Its been this was for years. Every native knows that when you cross the Cresent city connection (Westbank Expressway) the rules change. A testament to that is when evacuees tried to cross during HK and armed JP sheriff officers where at the border to stop them from crossing.Yeah, its funny how parts of the city are segregated by class and race.People dont want to live in inner city NOLA but have no problem working there, taking their earnings and hauling tail back to the suburbs!

[ginamac65]

We are tying to move back into "the city". Since Katrina we have had a strong desire to be a real part of New Orleans. WE want to be active in the community and its rebuilding. Unfortunately, we have a home in Kenner we can't sell. Living in the suburbs you do get the impression that people think they don't live in NO unless it is something to be proud of.

[Micktooth]

I never quite understood that. For a relatively "small" metro area, New Orleans is so divisive. I really think this attitude has hurt the region postK.