Readers: Racial & Economic Segregation are Problems in St. Louis

Few topics garner such diverse perspectives than race relations. The poll last week was simple; “How Racially Segregated is St. Louis?“

1. Racial segregation is a major problem 61 [28.91%]
2. Economic segregation is worse than racial segregation 49 [23.22%]
3. People are free to live where they like, minorities often self-segregate 44 [20.85%]
4. Racial segregation is an issue 42 [19.91%]
5. Other answer… 9 [4.27%]
6. Racial segregation isn’t an issue 5 [2.37%]
7. No opinion. 1 [0.47%]

The #3 answer (above) of self-segregation can mask larger issues such as long-standing realities that make harmony a challenge. As a white male I can’t possibly know how a black male might feel about the subject.  As a gay man I can tell you the city is very welcoming, but the two are not related.

The nine other answers were:

1. Racial segregation is no worse in St. Louis than any other major American city.
2. Economic segregation and racial segregation are one and the same in St. Louis
3. Racism and ignorance is deeply ingrained here.
4. Depends on neighborhood, but the tension is awful here.
5. Ethnic groups self segregate the world over. Get a clue.
6. In St. Louis, some areas integrate harmoniously, others *definitely* don’t
7. Like LKB24 say: Even the integrated parts of StL are segregated.
8. why call it segregation – some prefer a homogeneous environment
9. It’s less of a problem than 20-30 years ago

Enough people see a problem that it demands closer attention.

– Steve Patterson

St. Louis Natives vs. Newbies

Last week I posted the following as my status on Facebook:

“I’ve got a couple of friends who are new to St. Louis. Ray & John arrived about the same time, one from SF, one from NYC. The other night at The Royale John was talking about how great the street grid is here! It is just so nice talking to non-natives because they tend to “get it” more than those born here.”

In a short amount of time a heated discussion broke out among my friends, getting nearly 50 comments very quickly.  My original point that those not from here don’t “get it” like those that move here as adults got lost in a debate about St. Louis vs. Kansas City.

Over the weekend a friend told me of a woman from West County that was certain she’d be shot and killed driving to the federal building downtown. In law enforcement, she had a weapon and was planning to wear Kevlar.  She doesn’t like going east of Lindbergh Blvd. Amazing people think like this!?!

Those new to St. Louis, especially those from more urban areas, seek out the urban areas of St. Louis whereas suburbanites often, but not always, fear urban areas. I’m dumbfounded each time I hear stories of people my age living in the region who are afraid to enter the city limits. So I often seek out those who move here from outside the region because it is all new to them.  I get to share my favorite restaurants & pubs, talking about architecture, the street grid — the raw potential.

My two new friends came here for work.  Had they found work in other cities they wouldn’t be here.  But they are quick learners, getting to know our people and institutions better than many who have lived here for years.

I know many natives, of course, who get it, who seek out urbanity rather than fear it.  I love my conversations with them as well but the thrill of introducing a newbie to gems in St. Louis is such fun.  I want them to tell their friends on the coasts of the potential here, the friendly people, the inexpensive cost of living, etc.  Each one needs to get several friends to visit with one deciding to move here.  Eventually it will snowball.  100,000 new residents from each coast would do the trick.

The ratio of natives to newbies would shift and so would the political winds. Sure, it will take a while, but I’m not going anywhere.

– Steve Patterson

Poll: How good of a job does the City of St. Louis do at snow removal?

The poll question this week is: How good of a job does the City of St. Louis do at snow removal?  The poll is located in the upper right corner of the blog.

Add any comments you have below.

– Steve

Readers Expect 2010 Census To Show Population Gain Over 2000 Census

Nearly 85% of you felt St. Louis will show a population gain over the 2000 Census figure with most thinking the number will be higher than the 2009 estimate.

Q: The 2000 Census had St. Louis’ population at 348,189, the 2009 estimate at 356,587. Where will the 2010 count be?

1. More than 356,587: 82 [ 58.57%]
2. Between 348,189 and 356,587: 36 [25.71%]
3. Less than 348,198: 13 [9.29%]
4. who knows, will just have to wait for the results 7 [5%]
5. Other answer… 2 [1.43%]

I fall into the #2 camp, I think our number will be between the 2000 count and the 2009 estimate.  Why?  The methodology used for both is very different. Anything above 348,198 will still be huge though.  Nearly 10% of you think we will show a loss, I hope you are wrong!

The “other” answers were:

1. has to be more than 356,587 due to the amount of construction permits issued
2. >375,000

The actual count taken in 2010 has nothing to do with building permits.  In the last 10 years we’ve shifted population around.  Folks are living in places they didn’t in 2000, like downtown, but other areas have emptied out.

– Steve Patterson

Poll: How Racially Segregated is St. Louis?

Every city has some level of racial segregation among black & white residents, I’m curious how readers perceive this in St. Louis. The poll this week, as always, is located in the upper right corner of the blog.

– Steve Patterson