Pittsburgh segregated and racist? (York, West Mifflin: insurance, crime, brokers)

[Dorian]

Originally Posted by la_torquemada

Sadly I have to agree. I've just been experiencing this in my neighborhood from NEW residents. I've been here 8 years but suddenly *I'm* getting the evil eye from new black residents. Whether this is because I'm white or more because I'm not involved in their "industry," I can't really say, but nonetheless, it's no fun.

"Industry", LOL. I think it is because of the so called industry and not because you are white because I'm black and I get those looks too because I don't fit in with the "industry people".

[Dorian]

I don't think Pittsburgh is racially segregated, I think that it is financially segregated. I think there are lower class neighborhoods, middle class neighborhoods, and upper class neighborhoods. Only on the east side of town that they are all scrambled together.

[gallacus]

Is there such a thing as a city that is not financially segregated? I can't think of anywhere where rich people live across the street from poor.

[Drover]

Originally Posted by Dorian

I don't think Pittsburgh is racially segregated, I think that it is financially segregated. I think there are lower class neighborhoods, middle class neighborhoods, and upper class neighborhoods. Only on the east side of town that they are all scrambled together.

What makes Pittsburgh a de facto racially segregated city is that there does not appear to be a substantial black middle class in Pittsburgh. The disparity of class between the races is, of course, at issue across the country. Even so, many cities have a substantial black middle-class that can, if it so chooses, intermingle and live among the white middle-class. I just don't see a lot of that in Pittsburgh, and it's worth considering if there is something unique about Pittsburgh's institutions that keep it that way. In other words, is the racial segregation strictly part of a class pattern, or does racism (or at least discrimination) contribute to both the segregation and the class disparity?

[la_torquemada]

"Industry", LOL. I think it is because of the so called industry and not because you are white because I'm black and I get those looks too because I don't fit in with the "industry people".

Yes, that's been my feeling on it. I've never had anything but friendly relations with any of my neighbors until these people showed up and set up shop.

[PApisces]

By "industry" I take it that you are referring to drug dealing and prostitution, correct?

[la_torquemada]

Yeah, they're dealing out of a house at the end of my street. Haven't seen girls on my street yet, but it's a matter of time I'm sure. It's disappointing as for the longest time the cops here seemed to keep the activity confined to the main commercial street -- I'm sure there was corruption involved, but at least I felt safe on my street. Now, not so much.

[Dorian]

Originally Posted by gallacus

Is there such a thing as a city that is not financially segregated? I can't think of anywhere where rich people live across the street from poor.

Columbus is finacially mixed. Maybe not rich living right across from poor, but middle class and lower class mixed on one street and rich right around the corner. It seems to make the city as a whole look alot better and more stable. I don't know how it effects the property value though, I would imagine it would slightly lower the value for the rich and slightly raise the value for the other two classes.

[Dorian]

Originally Posted by Drover

What makes Pittsburgh a de facto racially segregated city is that there does not appear to be a substantial black middle class in Pittsburgh. The disparity of class between the races is, of course, at issue across the country. Even so, many cities have a substantial black middle-class that can, if it so chooses, intermingle and live among the white middle-class. I just don't see a lot of that in Pittsburgh, and it's worth considering if there is something unique about Pittsburgh's institutions that keep it that way. In other words, is the racial segregation strictly part of a class pattern, or does racism (or at least discrimination) contribute to both the segregation and the class disparity?

I totally agree, even though most of my family is middle class and black. It does seem like if you are black you are more likely rich or poor (more likely poor sadly) than middle class. I notice more and more the city and county are trying to intermingle the classes by putting low income housing in higher income communities such as Monroeville, West Mifflin, South Park, Cranberry and etc. but they never seem to work out. I assume that it is because just enough of the wrong people get in and ruin it for everyone. As for your question I am not sure maybe discrimination does have somthing to do with it. I see your location says chicago, how are these issues there?

[zip95]

Originally Posted by la_torquemada

Yeah, they're dealing out of a house at the end of my street. Haven't seen girls on my street yet, but it's a matter of time I'm sure. It's disappointing as for the longest time the cops here seemed to keep the activity confined to the main commercial street -- I'm sure there was corruption involved, but at least I felt safe on my street. Now, not so much.

You have to move. Drugs are illegal and hence unregulated. Business that is unregulated and ungoverned can't and won't get done without violence...it's impossible.

And god forbid you call the cops and the dealers find out...or even worse, the cops (like you say) are corrupt.