I think one thing is that more writers are moving here, possibly as part of the "priced out of NYC" phenomenon. The Men's Journal article mentioned that they had changed the format and had solicited the pieces from people who actually lived in the areas they profiled. Writers like to write about the places they live in (witness the most extreme example, the Park Slope Brooklyn phenomenon, where the entire neighborhood seems to consist of bloggers blogging about each other and their neighborhood -- even husbands and wives with separate blogs, ugh!)

Interesting that this thread has attracted not a fraction of those frantically posting on the "Murder Capital USA" thread. Those grandpas posting in their underwear in the Northeast have certain knee-jerk tendencies. While they are busy worrying about how best to both conceal and flaunt their racism online, we'll be busy making the city a better place to live for everyone!

Is this not bigotry? You feel comfortable making assumptions about these folks because the majority of this site agrees with you. That's scary.

Thanks for making the city better. It's currently in a really safe stage. Right.

__________________
"He taught by example that part of respecting another person is taking the time to criticise his or her views."

--Melissa Lane, The Guardian; obituary for philosopher of science Peter Lipton.

Farewell Eddy Arnold...Make the World Go Away...

MAGIC THEATER
ENTRANCE NOT FOR EVERYBODY
FOR MADMEN ONLY!

What the heck is that supposed to mean? I am making assumptions about some of the posters being "grandpas in their underwear" (although it is based on some of the things they say about themselves, and meant a bit tongue in cheek), and I think I know racism when I read it. I don't know what you find scary about that, or what majority you think agrees with me (on what?).

This is supposed to be a positive thread about what we can do to look to the future to make things improve. Is it possible to sustain that for more than 2 posts without attacking people? Why does any positive voice have to be met with sarcasm and obnoxiousness?

It's a good thing that most of the people i meet here aren't as nasty as the online ones.

Here, http://www.phillyblog.com/philly/sho...t=33986&page=6
if you're going to take potshots at people that are suddenly starting to feel "under siege", take an equal stab at some other poseurs.

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0x-fkSYDtUY

"Censorship is free advertising by the government"--Federico Fellini

"Do you mind if I smoke while you eat?"

I have noticed a trend of snide comments that blame racism on everything just like racists blame race. It's just accepted to be completely against racists, so any remarks toward anyone questioning or posing a thought that makes people think results in "concealed" racism.

If you read earlier, I was completely for the post. Then, you took your power, utilized your momentum and commented about a group that others would consider a threat because they don't think like you. I consider that nasty.

You want a great, connected community involving everyone, but on your terms. In a great society, there would be room for every agenda, and an outlet for it. By thinking you are smarter than those it is now PC to assault, you are making a problem too.

__________________
"He taught by example that part of respecting another person is taking the time to criticise his or her views."

--Melissa Lane, The Guardian; obituary for philosopher of science Peter Lipton.

Farewell Eddy Arnold...Make the World Go Away...

MAGIC THEATER
ENTRANCE NOT FOR EVERYBODY
FOR MADMEN ONLY!

I'm lost...the negativity is for calling racists, racists? I'm supposed to be trying to better understand racists? Or I am too simplistic in calling them racists? Or we just don't like that word?

There are some people on this board who struggle mightily to understand what it means that the vast majority of unpleasant living conditions and horrific crimes in this city occur in neighborhoods that are largely african-american. I get that. Then there are some racists. Are we denying that? Am I PC for calling it like I see it?

And which poseurs am I supposed to be taking potshots at? Who is feelig 'under siege?' I didn't want to be taking potshots at anybody, particularly.

Forgive the snide comments, if that's how they appeared...the regular drumbeat of "this city is just going to hell in a handbasket" (with the ongoing subtext -- because of 'those people' -- and if you don't see that you are sticking your head in the sand) just gets a little tiresome and I guess I wanted to snap back. That's not how I am experiencing the actual city...just on here.

I thought that comment was a little off the wall too but I just chalked it to brooklyncat showing a little neurosis in a weak moment. You know what they say about 20% of the population.

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Forget it Jake……It’s CHINATOWN!

"neurosis in a weak moment" is my middle name!

(what do they say about 20% of the population?)

One in five is thought to have some level of mental instability. I read it in a medical journal once. If you keep telling yourself that it makes it easier to deal with other people as you navigate through life.

__________________
Forget it Jake……It’s CHINATOWN!

I like this:

"My mum says there's a weirdo on every bus. I've never been able to find him, though..."

-unknown comedian

__________________
"He taught by example that part of respecting another person is taking the time to criticise his or her views."

--Melissa Lane, The Guardian; obituary for philosopher of science Peter Lipton.

Farewell Eddy Arnold...Make the World Go Away...

MAGIC THEATER
ENTRANCE NOT FOR EVERYBODY
FOR MADMEN ONLY!