Why Is This Still Happening?

In previous blogs, I've mentioned how outward tactics like violence, redlining, blockbusting, and restrictive covenants have contributed to residential segregation. However, in chapter 4 of American Apartheid we see how the means of maintaining residential segregation in cities becomes much more covert. It seemed that surely with new laws making these strategies illegal would greatly alleviate the segregation; unfortunately, this is not the case. Regarding class and race, one would assume that black individuals of a higher socioeconomic status would be able to live wherever they can afford. This assumption would be incorrect. Massey and Denton proclaim that money does not buy entry into white neighborhoods in American cities. But why?

 The information I found most intriguing and surprising was how real estate agents continue to discriminate “with a smile” against black individuals searching for a place to live. This discrimination with a smile is detrimental to the hopes of more integrated neighborhoods because it is much more difficult to be caught using these tactics, thus much more difficult to stop. Massey and Denton describe: “Black clients who inquire about an advertised unit may be told that is has just been sold or rented; they may be shown only the advertised unit and told that no others are available; they may be shown only houses in black or racially mixed areas and led systematically away from white neighborhoods; they may be quoted a higher rent or selling price than whites; they may be told that the selling agents are too busy and to come back later; their phone number may be taken but a return call never made; they may be shown units but offered no assistance in arranging financing; or they may be treated brusquely and discourteously in hopes that they will leave” (98). As a white woman, this really struck me as appalling. Surely the overt discrimination of the past was inexcusable but how is basically the same thing continuing in our society? I think it is easy for white Americans to take a naive stance on the issue because it is something many of them do not have to deal with. I know it certainly was not difficult to get my apartment even with a non existent credit history and a crappy job. I wonder if the same could be said for my African American cohort.

Looking into the suburban neighborhood where I grew up, I become even more skeptical of the situation of discrimination with a smile. Growing up, it was not very common to see African Americans walking down the street and living in the neighborhood. While it has begun to see a speckle of racial minorities moving in, the area remains mostly white. Could it be that real estate agents are using the tactics mentioned above? Do they avoid showing black families white neighborhoods in fear that the white neighbors won’t be happy? Probably. Upon  ruminating over this reading I was confronted with the issue of whether or not most white Americans are even aware of the discriminatory practices still being used in the housing market. As a young, forward-thinking individual I had hoped that the answer was no. Unfortunately, I do not know if this is just due to my inexperienced, optimistic attitude for the future or if it holds tinges of truth. I think it is very possible that many just do not recognize the gravity of the situation or hold beliefs that other powers are at play for why their neighborhood remains segregated. Either way, this is an issue that has to be discussed if any positive changes are to be made. Brushing it under the rug is simply no longer an option.

Furthermore, it is crucial to recognize the implications of growing up in an area where all you see are individuals of your same color. Racism persists because individuals hold stereotypes, often from the media, which they cannot compare to real life. If a person never gets a chance to interact with people of other races, how could these negative stereotypes ever be disputed. They will permeate the mind and be passed down from generation to generation. Until barriers to residential integration are destroyed, racist attitudes will remain prevalent. 

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/racism-alive-and-well-in-housing/