Not In My Neighborhood Summary

Poverty is a causal nexus for many problems in American neighborhoods. Baltimore, a city once known for its thriving economy during the manufacturing era saw its socio-economic downfall when the manufacturing era ended and poverty became a looming reality for many of its residents. Although Federal and state governments have tried relentlessly to revive Baltimore, substance abuse, racial segregation, and violence caused by the then rapidly declining economy diffused in the fabric of the city. Many people who lived in Baltimore during its prosperous times recall the potential many Marylanders saw in the future of the city. Still, despite the seemingly unfavorable future that Baltimore portrays, many see the positive side of the city as a beacon of hope for what is to come. Fortunately, their hopes are substantiated. The devastating population and economic decline that Baltimore experienced at the end of the manufacturing era is …show more content…
Pietila underscores that America’s history of racial prejudice was a potent factor in the foundation of Baltimore’s racial consciousness. Today’s racially segregated housing so prevalent in Baltimore is not merely a coincidence; it is the manifestation of historically unjust institutional policies that have led to what is Baltimore today. Pre 1960’s, to discourage many African-Americans from buying houses, a surcharge referred to as “black tax” was imposed on prospective black homebuyers.(171) Moreover, as studies show and referred by Pietila, black neighborhoods were generally subject to pay higher rent than white neighborhoods. (171) The victims of America’s historical prejudice were not just African Americans, but also and importantly Jewish people as well. Most Jewish people were met with the same fate as African Americans in most parts of the United