"I wish the demographics of Portland were more like San Francisco" (closing)

[Oregon Transplant]

"I wish the demographics of Portland were more like San Francisco, there are to many White people!"

That was a comment from a White friend of mine here in Portand Oregon about his feelings about the ethnic makeup of Portand. He is upset that Portland has not attracted enough people of color into the community. I reminded him that this is American and people can choose to live in any community they wish. I also told him that Portland use to be even more white dominated in the past.

My friend says the change has not happened fast enough for him and he wished that the Portland area had a demographic makeup more like in California with a large number of immigrants (especially Hispanic and Asians).

So, Portland residents, would Portland be a better City if its people were more like they are in San Francisco or LA?

[Leisesturm]

Just the kind of question we need at the beginning of a heat wave. Why would Portland or any other city be "better" for having a different ethnic mix? If such mixing would promote equal opportunities for the various ethnic groups that would be one thing but you know and I know that that would not be the case. But, no matter, your friend will get his wish, Portland will steadily become more like S.F. or L.A. Maybe your friend will live long enough to actually become a minority citizen himself and experience firsthand how absolutely wonderful it is to be the recipient of scorn, mistrust, intense and unwelcome attention from law enforcement, lack of opportunities for advancement... ... The saying "be careful what you ask for" has never rang truer.

H

[oldtintype]

How many ways can you state this topic? What is the true point that you're trying to make? Why is it always "someone else" who brings these things up? Why don't you just say what you're really trying to say?

[karlsch]

Your friend should read this article:

"San Francisco's black population has dropped faster than that of any other large U.S. city's. It went from 13.4 percent in 1970 to an estimated 6.5 percent in 2005, according to the census. Nationally, African Americans make up 12.1 percent of the population."

the whole story:
Black population deserting S.F., study says

[Redrover]

Excuse me, but why should Portland reorient itself demographically to suit the desires of a small minority of residents? If your friend wants live amongst people of color, he should move some place where that mix is already available. The nice thing about this country is that there is something for everyone and it just so happens that Portland isn't his more racially diverse mecca.

[no one special]

This is a horrible conversation. People are people. Who cares if they are white or yellow for that matter? Don't move here then if you don't like it the way it is. Geesh. I could spend a whole day on this subject but refuse to let this one rile me up. It shouldn't even be here. Someone is trying to get a razz out of someone else and quite frankly you are just sick for doing so.

[davefr]

Last time I was in San Fran. it was filth. So unlike to old San Fran.

Portland is getting pretty bad but it hasn't sunk to the level of San Fran yet.

[Waterlily]

The city of Portland is what it is. I am closing this thread as simpley not a very nice subject for this forum.