American neighborhoods becoming more racially diverse

By Catholic Online
12/20/2010
Catholic Online (www.catholic.org)

Prosperous black families moving more to high-speed cities

America's neighborhoods are becoming much more racially diverse and integrated - although some disparities remain and much work remains to be done. Segregation in many parts of the U.S. persists, with Hispanics in particular turning away from whites.

Segregation among blacks and whites increased in one-fourth of the nation's 100 largest metropolitan areas, compared to nearly one-half for Hispanics. These latest figures reflect new generations of middle-class blacks moving to upwardly mobile, on-the-move cities.

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LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Segregation among blacks and whites increased in one-fourth of the nation\'s 100 largest metropolitan areas, compared to nearly one-half for Hispanics. These latest figures reflect new generations of middle-class blacks moving to upwardly mobile, on-the-move cities. William H. Frey, a demographer at Brookings Institution who reviewed the census data, says that \"In contrast, the faster national growth of Hispanics has led to increased neighborhood segregation."

While Census data says otherwise, the U.S. in many ways remains divided by race and economic lines. John Logan, a sociologist at Brown University who has studied residential segregation says that \"Whites are still on average a large majority in the places where they live, and blacks and Hispanics are the majority or near-majority in their neighborhoods.

\"They suggest that all the talk about a post-racial society means nothing at the level of neighborhood.\"

Economically, in 21 counties more than 1 in 3 people lived in poverty, many of them living in American Indian reservations in the High Plains. Amid swirling congressional debate over taxing the wealthy, three localities in Virginia had median household income of more than $100,000 - Falls Church, and Fairfax and Loudoun counties.

These demographics hint at the upcoming political and legal wrangling over the 2010 census figures, to be published beginning next week. The data will be used to reallocate congressional districts, drawing new political boundaries.

New Hispanic-dominated districts could emerge, particularly for elected positions at the state and local level. States are required under the Voting Rights Act to respect the interests of minority voting blocs, which tend to support Democratic candidates.

The average white person now lives in a neighborhood that is 79 percent white, compared to 81 percent in 2000. The average black person lives in a 46 percent black neighborhood, down from 49 percent. For Hispanics, however, their average neighborhood last year was 45 percent Hispanic, up slightly from 44 percent.

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Pope Benedict XVI's Prayer Intentions for January 2013
General Intention: The Faith of Christians. That in this Year of Faith Christians may deepen their knowledge of the mystery of Christ and witness joyfully to the gift of faith in him.
Missionary Intention: Middle Eastern Christians. That the Christian communities of the Middle East, often discriminated against, may receive from the Holy Spirit the strength of fidelity and perseverance.

Keywords: Integration, whites, blacks, Hispanics

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1 - 5 of 5 Comments

Bulbajer
2 years ago
I think immigrants should be encouraged to learn English, not because English is the best language, but because it can only make their lives in America easier. If the immigrants want to assimilate otherwise, that's great. If not, that's fine.
Rob
2 years ago
Again vance, I couldn't disagree more. The GOP in terms of legislation gives an immigrant more reason to support them versus democrats. The last amnesty was done under Reagan and Bush called for comprehensive immigration reform. I don't think you can pin this on a liberal conspiracy otherwise the GOP would never win an elections, which they seem to do. In fact, I think it's pretty funny how much the GOP protested the census, but yet seem to be coming out on top. Go figure.
Jeffrey Caperton
2 years ago
Vance,

A word from the "liberal establishment". Where in the Word of God does it say that foreign nationals must assimilate to white American culture? Where in the Bible does it even say that white American culture, or lack thereof actually, reigns supreme? Are you God in that you can tell people with what culture they should assimilate? And as to any "jihad", the only "jihad" I expect in this country will come from conservative white bigots who cannot accept the fact that they are not God's chosen race. I pull no punches with you Vance because I have seen absolutely no attempt on your part to engage in civil discourse; that attacking and demonizing the opposition is your only means of "faith seeking understanding"; that you are right and everybody else is wrong; and that, regardless of the subject, you know more about it than everybody else. You know nothing about me or most other liberals, and you know even less about immigrants, one of whom I married (I have actually encouraged her to MAINTAIN her cultural identity) and many with whom I have worked over the years. The only thing you really know is your politics, prejudices and hatreds. Merry Christmas.
Sid
2 years ago
With Bishops supporting blanket and discriminatory citizenship for illegals by age and any other means, and not urging immigrants to learn the language, pledge allegience to the USA, and apply for citizenship within the laws, what can one expect from Hispanics. Stop printing ballots and other legal documents in foreign languages, and stop Spanish speaking TV stations, then see how fast they learn the language. This is the fault of the Hispanics not American citizens except for our over the top hospitality.
vance
2 years ago
This has much to do about Wide Open borders. This is the Balkanization of America in the making. The foreign nationals are not assimilating as immigrants had in past history. They live for years in this country without learning English. The Liiberal Establishment engineered this condition via their "Multi-Cultural" jihad which created multi-lingual forms, signs, and packaging. Each of these communities live in their own universe. It's all in the name of deceiving people to get their votes. "Vote for Me, Mr. Liberal, and I'll protect you against those Big Bad White people and those Evil rich people who believe you should not be on welfare and earn your own way". "We Liberals are the Great White Saviors". Some of the foreign nationals are beginning to realize that Liberals are not their friend or anyone's friend. Hope they all learn soon.

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