Bed Stuy's Star Continues to Rise

just read through most of these comments.

at some point someone said something about sweeping generalizations getting us into trouble. seems to me that that’s what a lot of people are doing here. it’s a nonstarter and tiresome.

i also feel the emphasis on “integration” is misplaced. this is america, why does anyone have to “fit in.” you should be free to integrate or not, say good morning or not and not be judged.

Anon 10:07-

I’m not sure why you persist in misconstruing what CHP is saying. She was simply pointing out why there might be differences in how people are perceived when gentrification occurs. There’s a difference between what she is saying (which, by the way applies to any group) and racism. Racism is destructive but can you honestly tell me that you have never felt more comfortable within your own group? Because it’s familiar. And you share common histories and culture. Cultural pride is not racism. It’s racism when you seek to destroy another group for no other reason than they are different. In no way is CHP defending racism or segregation. If you have followed her posts on Brownstoner you would know that.

To be honest I don’t know how to address the issue of asking Black homeowners to only sell to other Black folk. I certainly understand why it happens and it has been done in many other neighborhoods, most conspicuously to keep out Blacks. I forget which Supreme Court Justice it was who once put his Texas home up for sale with the express condition it could not be sold to any Jews.

If you are not a minority in this country it’s hard to understand the feeling of beleagerment (sp?) that minorities have and their desire to preserve their culture and history in the face of the majority. As a Jew I can remember traveling in the South as a kid to visit my brother who was stationed in Georgia. We were told to never ever remark on anything we saw, and never tell anyone we were Jewish. You go into self-protection mode.

A lot of people on this board obviously have the resources to buy homes. In emerging neighborhoods many, if not most, don’t. But you can understand the resentment when people say (as more than one has) that the residents should just move if their own neighborhood becomes too expensive for them. That sense of entitlement is just as destructive as racism, and unfortunately often goes hand in hand with it. Oh Lord! says “The new folks that are moving into the neighborhood are bringing new life into the neighborhood. However, there is also a sense of them wanting to change the neighborhood to make it more like the communities that they came from.” and I think that is truly the gist of the matter, but I also believe that many people who move into changing neighborhoods genuinely do care about their new communities.

Many of us are or were in interracial relationships and have friends and family here. We’re invested in the neighborhood because its home, not simply real estate. People like you and Yente understand that. But please don’t misunderstand the realities of what CHP pointed out. Culturally rich and proud Black neighborhoods are watching their communities get nibbled away- I find no problem with wanting to protect one’s own community. What a loss to NYC if Harlem were to disappear. I love the diversity and the differences among people. It’s fascinating. It enriches everyone. We should be celebrating our diversity, not trying to make NYC into a homogenous,generic disney theme park.

Segregation sucks, period.But what CHP is talking about is not condoning racism, but trying to explain the realities and seek a way to make all of the changes work for everyone.

“Prejudice is born in thinking that someone other than your group member is inferior, or dangerous, or stupid, or somehow a threat. Not because you know that to be true, but because another member of that same group is dangerous, etc, therefore all members of that group are. Prejudice is born of ignorance and fear. Racism is born in giving action to that prejudice.”

CHP, this is my point. All things being equal, you’re saying a black person who has lived in BS for a long time would look at two people of the same socioeconomic (let’s say well off professional – lawyer/banker etc.) who moves into the neighborhood and welcome the black person more readily than a white person. That’s pretty sad and, imo, a racist attitude.

As for going to church, many people don’t attend church. Why do newcomers have to go to church to be respected and welcomed?

Anyway, beyond rude jerks, I have not had any issues and have great neighors, so for me this is a moot point. I just find the defense of a segregated lifestyle and community smacks of intolerance and parochialism, and ultimately, will lead to continued marginalisation.

I don’t want to way in on the issue of racism since I’m a naive fool who tries to see the world through rose colored glasses. I don’t see people “by color”, even though I recognize that we all come from different backgrounds. I’m a white newcomer to the nabe and I think I do a pretty good job of intergrating and I don’t feel any animosity towards me (only towards my dogs). That being said, please don’t assume I’m not trying to be part of the neighborhood if you don’t see me at church or school since I don’t go to church and don’t have kids.
Ok, gentrification…here are some things I’ve noticed within the past week. My corner deli started carrying microbrews and imported beer. The produce guy at Foodtown and the guy at Tony’s Health both asked if there’s anything I’d like to see in their stores and they would order it for me. If the existing stores can cater to everyone, both old and new, that’s great! BTW, I don’t want to spend $4 on a cup of coffee any more than anyone else, but the Dunkin Donuts line is nearly out the door and their coffee SUCKS! Bush Baby is alittle far when I’m in need of caffeine. I’d would welcome a good cup o’joe in the hood.

if i was black i can’t see how i could avoid harboring a general distaste for white people.