What's up with people in Chicago (how much, luxury, living in)

[Chicago60614]

Originally Posted by Chicago South Sider

When it comes to black men, Chicago is easily the most racist major city in the country. NOne of what you say surprises me in the least. I've had white women clutch their purse as I walk past them on the street. If you spend any time in trendy north side neighborhoods you will see quite a bit of this sort of thing. It is what it is.

Even though it's totally "racist" to say so, having visited and lived in other areas and then come to Chicago, I've noticed that crime in this city is insanely segregated. A vast majority of the murders, people beating up tourists, etc. in nice areas, mob attacks, issues on north ave beach. For most people under the age of 50 the problem with racism in Chicago has moved beyond the whole "not liking other races because they're different and have a different skin color" of the 1950's and now it's almost all about crime perceptions.

I'm obviously not saying all minorities are dangerous or anything stupid like that. Most people I've dated have been black and hispanic, many of my friends are black and hispanic. As a gay person who is also white I can at least see first hand how stupid judgements can be when someone realizes I'm gay. I get that and it's up to the individual and not the skin color to make their own decisions in life and people should never be judged just upon that. The fact of the matter though is that in Chicago a lot of the streotypes about crime are lived out on the news every day and in mug shots and suspect descriptions. 4% of homicide victims are white in the city and 75% are black. I know that's mostly an issue of GANGS and nothing to do specifically with skin color, but it can get really depressing to live in this city and watch the violence play out over and over and over and see the same young black faces on your TV screen over and over and over.

[Chicago South Sider]

Originally Posted by Ace Rothstein

Black males commit more crimes in Chicago than white males do. If it were the opposite, women would clutch their purses when walking past white men on the street.

Statistically, black males probably don't commit many crimes against white women. So, your argument doesn't hold any water. Also, I have a relatively nice paying corporate job. I probably make more money than most of those women clutching their purses as I walk by. It's kind of amusing to me. Have a nice day.

[DoneWithDallas]

As a woman, I keep my purse close to me at all times regardless of who's around so fella's dont take it so personal when we grab our purses. If you try to take my purse you better believe I'm not going to let you get it without a fight. I remember walking down Michigan Ave one day and I had a top handle type purse and a homeless man stopped me and said I better keep it zipped even though it was on my arm.

What Souther Sider said about seeing the same young black faces on tv in the gangs, I don't think that a statement like that is racist by any means. It's stating a fact. I think people get so uptight once race is thrown out but theres a fine line between stating the truth about statistics, gang violence, etc and being "racist."

[SmartGXL]

^ I agree with this.

Also, when it comes to "why do white people mostly live around each other in LP/LV", its not that they want to "get away from blacks", I think it has more to do with the fact that for whatever reason, most of the amenities (bars, clubs, coffee shops, art galleries etc) happen to be congregated together on the North Side...so they move to where the "action" is.

Of course, there is the concept also, that there is a perception that these areas are stable and do not have as much of a crime problem that the other neighborhoods have. Most people just want to live in a safe. stable, environment, they dont want to live in an area that has angry, disgruntled people, or trashy people, regardless of race...most of them dont want to live in the ghetto, and most dont want to live in a trailer park full of meth addicts either. Its not 'racist' to seek out a safe area to live. And, the north side, including LV, is not all wealthy either...most people I knew in Lakeview were young poor girls in their 20's, some still in college at Depaul (usualyl being paid for by student loans), or they were out of college (again usually paid for with student loans), maybe making $35k a year, who were just paying rent on a studio apartment, barely getting by or maybe just saving a tiny amount of money every month. Sure, there are some people with some money too, the occasional lawyer or trader, or someone with some family money, but most of the people seemed like they are trying to get a start on life and are just trying to live their lives; they dont have some sort of "racist agenda" or anything like that.

[SmartGXL]

Originally Posted by Chi-town Native

Of course.

Easy proof - did these populations have these problems when they were minding their own business in their homeland?

Actually, between the end of slavery, and up until the 1960's, black americans had a very strong, family oriented middle class...it was the liberal programs started in the 1960's (Lyndon Johnson's Great Society platform) that destroyed the black american family.

And yes, historically, african tribes in africa, always fought with each other, and actually enslaved each other too. They had problems, which the arab and european slave traders exploited.

[glass_of_merlot]

I must be totally blind or I am very naive because I cannot see how racist Chicago is. When I lived in Memphis I noticed it clearly. But I have only lived here a short while and to me it is night and day difference.

[Plzeň]

Originally Posted by SmartGXL

^ I agree with this.

Also, when it comes to "why do white people mostly live around each other in LP/LV", its not that they want to "get away from blacks", I think it has more to do with the fact that for whatever reason, most of the amenities (bars, clubs, coffee shops, art galleries etc) happen to be congregated together on the North Side...so they move to where the "action" is.

That doesn't explain the behavior that the OP has noted more in those neighborhoods than others.

[DoneWithDallas]

Adidas "Shackle" Sneakers Create Controversy | Fashion - Yahoo! Shine

It's not just Chicago.

[Chi-town Native]

Originally Posted by SmartGXL

Actually, between the end of slavery, and up until the 1960's, black americans had a very strong, family oriented middle class...it was the liberal programs started in the 1960's (Lyndon Johnson's Great Society platform) that destroyed the black american family.

And yes, historically, african tribes in africa, always fought with each other, and actually enslaved each other too. They had problems, which the arab and european slave traders exploited.

Yes, the newly freed slaves all got 40 acres and a mule and were then given small business loans and access to capital.

They were also encouraged to vote and assimilate into the old Confederacy.

Oh wait - none of that happened.

[mortpes]

In this country all over there are groups of people and individuals that are doing urban terrorism daily. So they are changing how people look at each other. Major future implications.