I thought this article might be an eye-opener especially
since it’s talking about Saint Louis.
It is easy to find problems with other cities but I think it is harder
to find problems in your own city.
This article points out 10 racist things about St. Louis that I think
are important to note.
1.
The Arch: one of my favorite things about St.
Louis because it is so unique also “symbolizes the genocide of North America’s
original inhabitants-the Native Americans.” Interesting and very sad point.
2.
MetroLink Expansion: the author argues that it
is set up in a way that stops poor
people from going into the “rich” areas.
3.
Forest Park’s Lack of Basketball Hoops: there is
a place to play every sport except basketball. The author argues that “all black people don’t play
basketball” but this has been done because stereotypically black people play
basketball and therefore this was an attempt to keep them out of Forest Park
4.
Chop Suey, a.k.a. “Chinamen:” “basically become
a generational slang term”
5.
The Delmar Divide: This doesn’t need much of an
explanation. The author points out that “there is a noticeable difference in
the living conditions and the crime rates”
6.
Washington University in the Loop: only
Washington University students (who are mostly white) are welcomed in this area
while most black kids are chased out.
7.
Driving While Black in St. Louis County: again
this one doesn’t need an explanation.
8.
The Dress Codes at Certain Public
Establishments: this is something I didn’t even know about. Union Station is known for dress codes
that say “no doo-rags, no fitted caps, no Air Jordans” hmm…
9.
Referring to Muslims as A-Rabs/Soldan Race
Riots: this problem isn’t unique to St. Louis but still a problem
10. Being
Any race besides Black or white in St. Louis: we don’t try to even expand our
understanding of cultures besides while and black.
This article was very interesting! I've never really been aware of many St. Louis specific racial issues (minus the Delmar divide), so this was wonderful to see. Thanks!
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