The most underrated neighborhood in Chicago (Irving, Avon: attorneys, unemployment rate, farm)

[mjtinmemphis]

Rubbersoul89,

One of my white coworkers in Memphis heard that I was transferring to the Chicago office and told me about the racist mentality among the White professional class in LV/LP and I didn't believe her.

For the first two years in Chicago my circle included Hyde Park and work and I didn't see where Chicago was this horribly racist city. I would listen to urban talk radio and actually get offended by how they would totally bad mouth Chicago by saying it's the most racist city.

I was presented with the opportunity to live and work at Paulina and Belmont. Omg! Did I have a rude awakening! While living in the area I met some other black professionals that had the same horrific experiences that I had. I've since corresponded with that coworker and told her that I was wrong.

When I read topics on line for the best of Chicago, I have to laugh when I see LV/LP become part of the dialog..

[Chicagoist123]

Originally Posted by mjtinmemphis

Rubbersoul89,

One of my white coworkers in Memphis heard that I was transferring to the Chicago office and told me about the racist mentality among the White professional class in LV/LP and I didn't believe her.

For the first two years in Chicago my circle included Hyde Park and work and I didn't see where Chicago was this horribly racist city. I would listen to urban talk radio and actually get offended by how they would totally bad mouth Chicago by saying it's the most racist city.

I was presented with the opportunity to live and work at Paulina and Belmont. Omg! Did I have a rude awakening! While living in the area I met some other black professionals that had the same horrific experiences that I had. I've since corresponded with that coworker and told her that I was wrong.

When I read topics on line for the best of Chicago, I have to laugh when I see LV/LP become part of the dialog..

What were some of those horrific experiences?

[jman07]

This thread has taken a turn towards discussing racism in LP/LV. It is not racism as much as it is socioeconomic. IF you are poor or are from a rural area, you are looked down upon the same as if you are a minority. If you are a minority, but are successful and educated, there is no racism. So don't confuse racism with socioeconomic discrimination. People used to look down on me because I was from Indiana, and not your typical affluent Chicago suburb. If I was black I would think it was racism. I also have a black friend that I hang out with a lot and I've never seen anyone discriminate against him or him complain about racism on our nights out.

[Chicagoist123]

Originally Posted by jman07

This thread has taken a turn towards discussing racism in LP/LV. It is not racism as much as it is socioeconomic. IF you are poor or are from a rural area, you are looked down upon the same as if you are a minority. If you are a minority, but are successful and educated, there is no racism. So don't confuse racism with socioeconomic discrimination. People used to look down on me because I was from Indiana, and not your typical affluent Chicago suburb. If I was black I would think it was racism. I also have a black friend that I hang out with a lot and I've never seen anyone discriminate against him or him complain about racism on our nights out.

Couldn't have put it better myself.

[Irishtom29]

I dislike self described "professionals" of any race.

[mjtinmemphis]

Originally Posted by jman07

This thread has taken a turn towards discussing racism in LP/LV. It is not racism as much as it is socioeconomic. IF you are poor or are from a rural area, you are looked down upon the same as if you are a minority. If you are a minority, but are successful and educated, there is no racism. So don't confuse racism with socioeconomic discrimination. People used to look down on me because I was from Indiana, and not your typical affluent Chicago suburb. If I was black I would think it was racism. I also have a black friend that I hang out with a lot and I've never seen anyone discriminate against him or him complain about racism on our nights out.

You couldn't be further from the truth. Many Blacks have experienced racism in the area who make well into the six figures. It's been an old beat up subject on CD as well as the internet. Too much written from different people having the same experience for it to not be true.

[Chicagoist123]

Can you then give an example or two? Im just asking cause you keep saying the same thing over and over again but never give examples.

[Aleking]

Originally Posted by jman07

This thread has taken a turn towards discussing racism in LP/LV. It is not racism as much as it is socioeconomic. IF you are poor or are from a rural area, you are looked down upon the same as if you are a minority. If you are a minority, but are successful and educated, there is no racism. So don't confuse racism with socioeconomic discrimination. People used to look down on me because I was from Indiana, and not your typical affluent Chicago suburb. If I was black I would think it was racism. I also have a black friend that I hang out with a lot and I've never seen anyone discriminate against him or him complain about racism on our nights out.

you can keep telling yourself this but it won't make it true

[jman07]

Originally Posted by mjtinmemphis

You couldn't be further from the truth. Many Blacks have experienced racism in the area who make well into the six figures. It's been an old beat up subject on CD as well as the internet. Too much written from different people having the same experience for it to not be true.

OK. I'm referring to a consistent pattern of racism. Not a few isolated incidents. We were also talking about in LP/LV. So i'm assuming this means on their nights out in these neighborhoods. I've been side by side my black friend in these neighborhoods for years, and I've yet to see one racist incident or comment towards him. I was actually shocked about how non-racist people were. Example: We often end up talking to random girls while out, and I look at their faces and reactions, and they never give him the cold shoulder or brush him off (like, what is this black guy doing talking to me). Back home that would be different.

[gomexico]

Originally Posted by Chicagoist123

What were some of those horrific experiences?

I'd like to hear/read them as well.