---

Posted by Clover23

I just have to say... incase anyone is wondering why I choose not to address the OP (i like to think i'm really important, obvs).... being i feel the need to comment on a lot of things lately...

many of you are aware that i live in one of the whitest, christian-est, communities on long island.

i feel like any response I can give to this indicating my feelings on the importance of diversity would be met with a 'what a hypocrite ' ... at least behind the scenes.

---

---

Posted by cateydee

---

Posted by JandM2010

---

Posted by cateydee

---

Posted by JandM2010

While I agree diversity is a good thing and I am all for it, I can see the view of your friends. When looking for a neighborhood for my husband and I to live in, we looked at places with little diversity. We want to live in an area with people who are just like us and with little crime rate. My DH and I have both lived in communities that have had an influx of change and it really can cause a dramatic change in a neighborhood. I really don't think that your friends are 'prejudice or racist' but they have strong opinions about the area they live in and everyone is entitled to that.

---

Diversity does not equal crime. In my opinion, that kind of thinking is considered prejudice.

---

I in no way was implying that diversity equals prejudice. And also that little diversity leads to crime. My educational background is studying crime and crime patterns and know that is not always the case (although it is unfortunately one of the factors). I think everyone in their own way knows places they would or would not live based on the area and the people that live there. People on this board are quick to rebut an opinion of someone that they disagree with and that is not allowing for people to express who they are and their beliefs. I am disappointed in that

---

I didnt say that diversity equals prejudice. I said that kind of thinking I consider prejudice. If you've studied crime and crime patterns, you definitely know that there are always more to the data.

I think I know what you might be *trying* to say, but maybe its not coming out right. I work in in a low income area of Brooklyn which had its own instance of white flight after the blackout in 1977. Its gone from smoldering lots to its current growth of affordable housing and gentrification. Its still in a challenging position but growth, nontheless.

That said, I would never want to live there.
Because its got people who are not my color? No
Because there's diversity in the 'wrong way'? No
Because there's too many poor people? No

Its because its still a poor neighborhood that has failing infrastructure- horrible schools, which directly leads to job stagnation, lack of decent housing, all the way to poor garbage collection. It runs the gamut. THAT, in my opinion, is a reason not to live in a neighborhood. Not because of the color of my neighbors' skin. And for this exact reason, I remain working in that neighborhood to help improve it. I think you are free to express your beliefs here on LIW and in any forum. But no matter where you say it, be prepared to defend your position, especially if its controversial. You knew it would be controversial, right?

---