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Race and Your Community

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Submitted By smokiejo
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Race and Your Community
September 4, 2009
ETH/125

How much do you know about St. Louis, Missouri? Most of us know that St. Louis is called the Gateway to the West, and the Gateway Arch is the tallest man made monument in the world. If you did not know this, then you haven't been reading your History books. St. Louis, Missouri is home to a very diverse population. You can find a mixture of races through out the city if St. Louis. It is not unusual for police to stop minorities, particularly African Americans, for unjustified reasons or merely to ask them why they are driving or walking in a certain neighborhood. In St. Louis, you are discriminated against because of your race, your gender, your age, and even by the type of car you drive. The deeper you go into St. Louis, the worse the discrimination gets. I will say that where I live, there is a small amount of discrimination. Everyone knows each other and we talk to each other, watch everyone's house when they are out of town, walk our dogs together and even have play dates with our kids.
There are over 5,911,605 people living in St. Louis, Missouri. Of that number approximately 85% are Caucasian, 11.5% are African American , 0.5% are American Indian and Alaska Native American, 3.2% are Hispanic or Latino American, and 1.5% are of Asian decent. (U.S. Census Bureau, 2008). In the year 2000, there was an average of 2.48 people know to be living in the same household. Now there is no telling of how many people living under the same roof for the simple facts of they are not listed on the lease, or that no one knows that they live there. The median household income for the average family in 2007 was $45,012. (U.S. Census Bureau, 2008). This is a lot of money for some people and a small amount for others. With this number in mind, it makes you wonder why there are so many people living below the poverty level. There are over 13.3% of people living below the poverty level in Missouri, that is just .3% more than those living in another part of the United States. (U.S. Census Bureau, 2008). St. Louis Missouri is know best for it's night life. The major events that happen downtown by the Gateway Arch are amazing. The St. Louis Fair, the Mardi Gras celebration in February, The Fire works show in July and much more. There are a lot of historical places and events you can visit in St. Louis. You can ride to the top of the Gateway Arch in an elevator, follow in the footsteps of the great explorers Lewis and Clark, visit the St. Louis Zoo, Grant's farm, walk the Katy trail, the art museum, and much more exciting places.
Members of my community come in all shapes and sizes. They are small, tall, big, thin, white, and black. Everyone has different facial appearances, yet we try to treat each other with respect. I have witnessed a lot of negative and improper treatment towards all races. I will say that there is a great deal of tension between African Americans and those members of the Caucasian community, in certain areas, you either belong or you don't. This attitude is what gets many people in trouble with the law, and other races within the community. The police in St. Louis have a very important job. They are here to make sure that everyone is safe when they drive, walk down the street, and even when they are sitting in their own back yard. To most people it seems that the Police favor the African Americans more than any other race. They question their every move from the moment they step out on the side walk. This is not fair for anyone to be treated with such disrespect and belittlement. Everyone is not treated equally, and it all depends on the area you live in.
St. Louis, Missouri has seen ethnic and racial tensions increase greatly over the last decade as changes in its population mix have occurred. Many in St. Louis have become increasingly intolerant of those who do not speak English, those who do not have a high school diploma, and even to those who do not have money. There are even many neighborhoods where one would be uncomfortable to be in because of the color of you own skin. Many sections of the city are segregated. There are the Area's of North County, South County, West County and North St. Louis City.. You are called rich and snobby if you live in certain parts of West County and South county. In certain parts of South County you are referred to as being poor, trashy and dumb. Many people often refer to people who live in North County and North St. Louis City as being lazy bums, rude, trashy and poor. They have also say that North County and North St. Louis City are the most dangerous places to live because of the many different gangs that live there. Almost everyone discriminates, either subtlety or openly, against someone who is not “them.” This is very apparent when you see a white person or a black person in an area they are not “suppose” to be in.
Despite all of the discrimination some face, St. Louis is a great place of many valuable diversities. There are many groups who work and socialize together, regardless of their race. It represents the best of American values and the worst of American isolationism. It doesn't matter where you are from, you will almost always find someone to help you. There are many very well respected and successful leaders and business owners in this city who want to maintain and will maintain open opportunities for all who want them. This community truly tries to work together for the benefit of all. St. Louis was home and still is home to some very famous singers, clothing designers and major league players. The Musician Chingy, Kimora Lee Simmons, Tina Turner, John Goodman, Major league baseball player Kerry Robinson, NFL running back Bob Christian and not to mention former mayor Robert G. Lowery. (Absolute Astronomy, 2009). St. Louis's local media is just about as diverse as the city is. We do not discriminate against who write the news we read about in the paper. Many of our journalists are of a different race and write about what they believe in and what they think we need to know. I believe that our local media fairly, equally and accurately represents the local population mix and its interests. The media always present both sides to all issues and does an excellent job of announcing and reporting on local events, support groups, and areas where people may need help. Many cable networks specialize in this area as well.
The Current Mayor of St. Louis is Francis G Slay. Since being under his reigns, the city has added 6% more jobs for the average working man/woman. (STL Today, 2009). He has also rebuild and rehabilitated more than 27, 000 housing units in St. Louis County. (STL Today, 2009). I believe that as long as Mayor Francis G. Slay is our mayor, the city and the region will be in a better place.
Current economic and cultural events, however, are creating both tension and hope in the city. The nomination of American’s first African American presidential candidate by the Democratic Party has given the city’s African American population great pride, it has also created a great deal of resentment against African Americans. Most feel as if this newly elected president is not doing his job and is actually hurting us more than helping us. It has been said that President Obama has spent more money in his first 100 days, than all of the presidents combined. The economy has taken a turn for the worst since the election of our new president. There are extremely high numbers of unemployment, major increases in home foreclosures, many families cannot afford to live any more. Everyone looks forward to their pay checks every week, yet because of the hard times, it seems to be spent even before it is cashed. Money really does make the world go round.
If I could solve any inequities within my community I would try to make every one see that we are all the same. Yes, the color of our skin is different, but deep down we all came from the same place. Everyone would receive the same amount of benefits from the government for welfare. No one would be turned down because of their lack of funds, where they live or the color of their skin. I would also stress the importance of not bringing any more children into the world if you can not take care of them. There are many families out there that have too many children, that they are unable to provide them with the adequate food, clothing and health care they desperately need.
Having said all of this, St. Louis, Missouri is the place I have known all of my life, it is my home. It is where my family lives and the inspiration of hope for future generations to come. Missouri is full of many wonderful and cultural historic places that many can learn and experience from. Despite all of the many different diversities of people living here, you will find that deep down everyone comes from the same place. I believe that the former mayor of St. Louis, Robert G. Lowery said it best, “Whether you are here for a day or a lifetime, this is a great place to be!”

References:

Absolute Astronomy (2009). Florissant, Missouri: Facts, Discussion Forum, and Encyclopedia.
Retrieved September 4, 2009, from http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/florissant,_Missouri

U.S. Census Bureau, (2009). Missouri Quick Facts. Census of Population and Housing. Retrieved September 4, 2009, from http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/29000.html

STL Today, (2009). The Mayoral endorsement: Is Francis Slay mayor for life? Retrieved September 4, 2009, from http://www.stltoday.com/blogzone/the-platform/published-editorials/2009/02/the-mayor-endorsement-is-fransic-slay-mayor-for-life.html

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