Austin Revealed: Civil Rights Stories (Dallas, Cleveland: apartments, loans, hotel)

[scm53]

Actually, most of the "hot" hipster areas - Wicker Park, Williamsburg, Silver Lake - all have low percentage of Blacks. Correlation or causation?

[Raskolnikov]

Originally Posted by scm53

Actually, most of the "hot" hipster areas - Wicker Park, Williamsburg, Silver Lake - all have low percentage of Blacks. Correlation or causation?

If you watch the videos- especially 'Tale of Two Cities' - it seems like it's a combination of factors. But, in terms of 'low percentage of blacks' - that pretty much describes most neighborhoods in Austin. A long time ago, that wasn't the case. I also read that the black population in Austin is shrinking (the only big city this is happening in Texas). I wonder if that's true and what the reasons are.

[ericsami]

Originally Posted by Raskolnikov

I wonder if that's true and what the reasons are.

You can verify on u.s census Stats. as percentage yes it is happening.

I don't think it is something overtly racist per say.

it is socioeconomic issue. Austin's median wage is generally higher than the rest of the country.

Thus Poor People Ala Minorities such as Blacks and Hispanics can easily get priced out of Austin. The poor population also does not really have the skill-set required by the modern globalized economy so they have to work in service industry.
Also compared to many cities Austin Really does not have a real Section8 Housing Authority so naturally alot of poor people just move out.

Economists and sociologists have to study this for years to find out how this is exactly being caused. There are easily hundreds of variables involved

[CptnRn]

I watched several of these and enjoyed learning more about the history of Austin and some of the people in it. It was good to see Bertha Means again, I consulted with her when she ran for City Council. I will probably watch the rest of them later today.

[CptnRn]

Originally Posted by Down Lo Ho
I hate to admit but one of the reason I move to Austin is because it is not very diverse. So people like the diversity but nope not for me. Most people wont admit it but it the truth.

Originally Posted by Raskolnikov

I think this interesting- I wonder how many people moved to Austin because it was so white-dominated (and oh so progressive and liberal) but won't admit that's the reason.

I find both of those comments a bit absurd. Austin is in fact very racially diverse, but has a low population of black residents.



Which is not uncommon this far West in the country.

[CptnRn]

Originally Posted by Raskolnikov

If you watch the videos- especially 'Tale of Two Cities' - it seems like it's a combination of factors. But, in terms of 'low percentage of blacks' - that pretty much describes most neighborhoods in Austin. A long time ago, that wasn't the case. I also read that the black population in Austin is shrinking (the only big city this is happening in Texas). I wonder if that's true and what the reasons are.

The black population is shrinking because the areas were black people typically lived are gentrifying. As property values increase in East Austin those residents are selling out, taking the profit and moving to nicer homes in less expensive neighborhoods, such as Hutto and Pflugerville.

[Neo45]

Originally Posted by Raskolnikov

I think this interesting- I wonder how many people moved to Austin because it was so white-dominated (and oh so progressive and liberal) but won't admit that's the reason.

a huge chunk probably. the same people that move to Portland and Seattle because they are so progressive but would feel uncomfortable next door to a minority

[scm53]

Until you have lived in a town that is 53% black, you have no idea. Been there, done that. Ain't going back.

[ImOnFiya]

Originally Posted by scm53

Until you have lived in a town that is 53% black, you have no idea. Been there, done that. Ain't going back.

See newbies, in Texas some things never change. Most whites would be in freefall after hearing people talk about you that way. For us, it's normal and expected - even the hours of silence (or passive agreement) after such comments are made. People can be tough, but my family is "Texas tough" - nearly 120+ plus years in Austin area. No matter how Austin changes, we're home!

[riaelise]

Originally Posted by scm53

Until you have lived in a town that is 53% black, you have no idea. Been there, done that. Ain't going back.

What's wrong with living in an area that's majority black?