Racism in New Orleans Today

Paper Summary:

The writer, a black woman growing up in the city of New Orleans, reveals that while the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s eradicated constitutional hate, an implied and quiet prejudice still exists and continues to subvert the nation. The writer focuses on her city, New Orleans, and its Mayor Ray Nagin who has condoned the rampant prejudice that has been pervading the city and has failed to rebuild the city for all its citizens. The writer specifically discusses the misrepresentations in the media that have brainwashed the country into equating black to crime, especially in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The writer then relates that she has been witness to racial issues that have plagued herself, her family, her friends and acquaintances who have been forced to struggle with financial, educational, and general social advancement opportunities in an America that still doesn't know the meaning of true equality.

From the Paper:

"Many people in America don't realize that while the civil rights movement of the 1960's eradicated constitutional hate, an implied and quiet prejudice still exists and continues to subvert our nation. This fact is most evident when leaders like New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin who " grabbed headlines by claiming Katrina was God's punishment to blacks for their allegedly profligate ways." (Hutchinson, 2006). In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Nagin called for a return to a "Chocolate City" once more, a reference to the 1975 funk song by Parliament which "celebrates black empowerment and lists Afro-American mayors of major US cities." (Stevens, 2006) However, in the same speech, he attacked the Mexican immigrants who came to New Orleans for rebuilding labor efforts. Nagin, who has strong ties to the white community because of his politics, and blacks because of his heritage has been criticized for his lack of support for the poor blacks."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Hutchinson, Earl O. (Jan 23 2006). Jesse, King, and the Business of Black Leadership. Louisiana Weekly. Retrieved August 13 2007 from http://www.louisianaweekly.com/weekly/news/articlegate.pl?20060123k
• Lynch, Matthew. (2006). Mayor Nagin and the Politics of Hurricane Katrina. Black Men in America. Retrieved August 13 2007 from http://www.blackmeninamerica.com/katrina.htm
• Stevens, Andrew. (May 28 2006) Despite controversy, Mayor Ray Nagin remains the champion of New Orleans. City Mayors. Retrieved August 13 2007 from http://www.citymayors.com/mayors/new_orleans_mayor.html
• Tidmore, Christopher. (Jan 29 2007). Racial Issues May Force City to Stay Small. Louisiana Weekly. Retrieved August 13 2007 from http://www.louisianaweekly.com/weekly/news/articlegate.pl?20070129f

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