Project Updates
Our project is going well. We finished up all the interviews and survey assessments today. I'm really surprised at the attitudes of the residents. All of them seem grateful for what we are doing, but they don't seem that excited about the process. Some of them didn't ask for many changes to their houses or property. I know if I was in their shoes I would write down every possible thing I would like to be changed. Sometimes I wonder if they really understand what the Project 2015 is.
Mrs. Renteria met us in the neighborhood today. She gave us some updates about the Project and how we can help. A number of us were asked to be project leads for the Project since we know so much about the area. This is something I am still considering. A representative from the Project collected all of the assessments today which was good. I'm still a little confused about our next steps, but I guess we'll find out soon enough.
Monday, October 20, 2014
Racism and Privilege (Blog #2)
PROMPT:
After completing the readings, respond to the following:
What are some of the
similarities and differences in experiences of racism globally? In general,
describe the “exploiter and exploited” relationship. Discuss specific parallels between U.S.,
France, Brazil and South Africa.
It’s incredible to read about countries, who are thousands of miles apart from each other, with similar histories of oppression of the black race by the white race. Even though most of the oppressive laws in these countries have been lifted, there is still evidence of racism within the mindsets of the residents of these countries. There is a common pattern of white supremacy and white privilege at the expense of black identity and black privilege too. Black people are still considered to be “ugly, lazy, and stupid” while whites are seen as civilized and educated. As a black man raised in America, I understand how damaging these preconceived notions can be. I can remember being confused about my identity growing up because I did not know how to relate and identify with my white friends at school. These countries have created a stark inequality of resources in their respective countries. Whites have made trillions of dollars by exploiting black labor, and very little of that money has trickled down to the black race. Though the systematic oppression is similar, each country differs in dynamics and historical context.
U.S. and France represent the exploiters. While the U.S. primarily used outside labor to exploit the resources of its own country, France colonized African nations and robbed the indigenous people of their resources. Currently, both countries have a white majority, though that’s subject to change in the coming years. There is still a lot of underlining oppressive racists notions in both countries, even though America and France value independence and freedom. Contemporary discrimination, due to a long history of racists ideals, is still very much prevalent in exploiter countries.
It’s incredible to read about countries, who are thousands of miles apart from each other, with similar histories of oppression of the black race by the white race. Even though most of the oppressive laws in these countries have been lifted, there is still evidence of racism within the mindsets of the residents of these countries. There is a common pattern of white supremacy and white privilege at the expense of black identity and black privilege too. Black people are still considered to be “ugly, lazy, and stupid” while whites are seen as civilized and educated. As a black man raised in America, I understand how damaging these preconceived notions can be. I can remember being confused about my identity growing up because I did not know how to relate and identify with my white friends at school. These countries have created a stark inequality of resources in their respective countries. Whites have made trillions of dollars by exploiting black labor, and very little of that money has trickled down to the black race. Though the systematic oppression is similar, each country differs in dynamics and historical context.
U.S. and France represent the exploiters. While the U.S. primarily used outside labor to exploit the resources of its own country, France colonized African nations and robbed the indigenous people of their resources. Currently, both countries have a white majority, though that’s subject to change in the coming years. There is still a lot of underlining oppressive racists notions in both countries, even though America and France value independence and freedom. Contemporary discrimination, due to a long history of racists ideals, is still very much prevalent in exploiter countries.
Brazil and South Africa represent exploited countries in
this article. These two countries are
rich with a lot of valuable natural minerals and materials. Because of this, countries, like America and
France, exploit the resources of the native countries for profit, leaving
native countries with a lot of civil and political unrest. This is the case of Brazil and South
Africa. Both countries are still healing
from the scars from their oppressive pasts.
The new South Africa has technically only been in existence for about 20
years, and it still has a long way to go as a country. White elitists have avoided taking ownership
of the problems that they have caused.
They turn a blind eye to the educational, economic, and social
inequalities that are now rampant in countries like Brazil and South Africa.
How has racism
influenced the history of housing and urban development in the United States?
Despite the Housing and Urban development act, there was still institutionalized racism/segregation when it comes to the housing market. The primary example is redlining. According to the Boston Fair Housing website, redlining is the practice of denying or limiting financial services to certain neighborhoods based on racial or ethnic composition without regard to the residents’ qualifications or creditworthiness. The financial service industry used to mark red lines on maps for areas where they would not provide services to. Because of this, many minorities had a hard time receiving loans or mortgages in other areas. The lack of capital impeded the economic growth of these neighborhoods. Redlining is a direct result of racism and stereotyping.
Tatum’s article
discusses three barriers to talking about issues of race and racism with
students in a classroom setting. What
are these?
Gender, religion, and sexuality.
Finally, following
Peggy McIntosh’s format, list a few of your privileges and your overall
reaction to this article.
I enjoyed reading the article. I have been taught about the concept of “white” privilege since I have been young. On the other hand, I never realized that I have privilege for being a man. Privilege really is an unconscious notion to the dominant social group. Here are some of the privileges that I have.
1. In the neighborhood that I live in, I can call the police and not wonder if they will ever arrive at my residence.
2. When I go on dates, I never think about the possibility
of being sexually harassed, kidnapped, or raped.
3. I have the privilege of talking to a variety of different companies if I so choose because of the business school that I attend.
4. I have the privilege of worshiping freely, in the socially acceptable worship places, without feeling persecuted or hated.
3. I have the privilege of talking to a variety of different companies if I so choose because of the business school that I attend.
4. I have the privilege of worshiping freely, in the socially acceptable worship places, without feeling persecuted or hated.
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Interview
Interview Response
I had the opportunity to interview my girlfriend about myself. We had a nice conversation about each topic and I was able to learn more about myself in the process.
What do you think my strengths/challenges are for this class?
She told me my biggest strength is that I like to involve people and that I'm patient. In this assignment, patience is key in this project because we are dealing with people. One of my biggest challenges is my procrastination
What do you think my strengths/challenges are for this class?
She told me my biggest strength is that I like to involve people and that I'm patient. In this assignment, patience is key in this project because we are dealing with people. One of my biggest challenges is my procrastination
Am I a good collaborator?
Yes, because I like to discuss decisions with others as well as listening to other people's ideas.
Am I a good communicator (written, verbal, visual)?
Sometimes and sometimes not. Sometimes, I expect my girlfriend [and others] to read my mind.
How well do you think I work with groups of people I don't know or who have different experiences and perspectives than I do?
I work well with others because I'm approachable.
How well do I synthesize theory and practice? Do you see me more invested in theory or practical applications?
How well do I synthesize theory and practice? Do you see me more invested in theory or practical applications?
Since I over analyze situations it takes me awhile to get to the practical application part.
Did you ever think of me as an agent of change [Activist,
Advocate, Invested in community empowerment] Yes or no? Explain.
Yes, I always try to be involved, but sometimes I am too involved in things outside of just school.
What do you think I need to work on to be a better student/person/global citizen?
What do you think I need to work on to be a better student/person/global citizen?
Time management and not taking on too many responsibilities.
I agreed with everything that she said. We have been together for over a year so she knows me just as well as I know myself. I know time management and prioritizing has been a big issue in the past and I’m slowly learning how to be better at it. I have learned to say no more frequently and to not take on more than I can handle.
I agreed with everything that she said. We have been together for over a year so she knows me just as well as I know myself. I know time management and prioritizing has been a big issue in the past and I’m slowly learning how to be better at it. I have learned to say no more frequently and to not take on more than I can handle.
History of East Austin (Blog # 3)
History of East Austin
Most of the information that I read was not particularly new to me. Some of the statistics and specific facts were startling but the concept of gentrification in East Austin is not new at all. I regularly attend Marshall’s barbershop and Greater Mount Zion Church which are two establishments that are in the center of East Austin. Over the last 4 years, my friends and I would be in awe at the new condos and buildings being erected in the area. During this time, we saw many black owned businesses torn down and quickly replaced with expensive development plans. I also noticed the demographic start to shift. I started to see more and more white Americans in the area, which is not a bad thing initially. Unfortunately, an influx of white Americans in the area means the driving out of lower-income minorities. It’s a sad reality. It’s also sad that these people will never understand the history of the area. The history of East Austin was the most surprising information for me.
I always knew that East Austin had a rich and vibrant black culture and
history, but I never took the time to research the area. I’m glad that “The Empty Stairs” article was
able to shed some insight on some of the key people who played an integral part
in East Austin’s history. I was surprised that Perry C.
Rhambo, J. Mason Brewer, Dr. Everret Givens, and many other black people were
able to achieve academic success, despite the many obstacles and hurdles in
their way, and use their skills to help their community. I cannot imagine what it must have been like growing up during that time with the whole world trying to stop your advancement. East Austin was also home to some of the
great black intellectuals at Huston Tillotson University. East Austin, a place initially intended to
isolate black people from “modern” society, became historic landmark for the progression
of black people in our country.
Gentrification (Blog #4)
Gentrification
After reading the assigned articles on gentrification, I was
intrigued to research the gentrification in my hometown of Houston, TX. Houston has always been an expansive city
that’s undergoing much development and design in the inner-city and in the
suburbs. For this reason, many
neighborhoods (lower income and middle income neighborhoods) have been pushed
due to construction, especially the construction on the freeways. In my research, I found an article titled Houston
Gentrification & The METRO Rail. The
article explains how the continual development of the METRO Rail transportation
system has negatively affected minority communities in the wards. As the transportation system improves, more white
collar workers move into neighborhoods closer to downtown, like the University
of Houston and BBVA Compass stadium areas, where a majority of minorities reside. There is a fear that a lot of the
culture, infrastructure, and history will be lost in these due to the increase
in rent and property taxes in these areas.
It seems like gentrification is the same all around the world, whether it’s in Johannesburg, London, or Austin. I do agree with the PBS article that gentrification is more complex than it appears. “But the effects of gentrification are complex and contradictory, and its real impact varies.” I don’t think that Austin’s gentrification is that unique. Higher income individuals are moving in and lower income individuals are moving out. There are some efforts to maintain the rapid changes in the area, but I think the rate of change is just too fast at this point. Every city’s gentrification is different compared to other cities based on the cultural, economic, and historical make up. However, I believe that all the impacts of gentrification are fundamentally the same. During the East Austin Van Tour, I learned about the architectural changes happening in East Austin. Each house and structure was very indicative of the income level of the owners. I found it interesting that more expensive houses looked very similar to each other. Most of the expensive houses had the same modern and tall look.
It seems like gentrification is the same all around the world, whether it’s in Johannesburg, London, or Austin. I do agree with the PBS article that gentrification is more complex than it appears. “But the effects of gentrification are complex and contradictory, and its real impact varies.” I don’t think that Austin’s gentrification is that unique. Higher income individuals are moving in and lower income individuals are moving out. There are some efforts to maintain the rapid changes in the area, but I think the rate of change is just too fast at this point. Every city’s gentrification is different compared to other cities based on the cultural, economic, and historical make up. However, I believe that all the impacts of gentrification are fundamentally the same. During the East Austin Van Tour, I learned about the architectural changes happening in East Austin. Each house and structure was very indicative of the income level of the owners. I found it interesting that more expensive houses looked very similar to each other. Most of the expensive houses had the same modern and tall look.
"Welcome to H-Town!"
Houston & Metro Rail Article:
http://www.academia.edu/4594523/Houston_Gentrification_and_The_METRO_Rail_Case_Study_of_EaDo_and_Third_Ward_Houston
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