History and Context
Refugee PlacementAfter a Racial Attack, A South Philly School Tries to Heal |
There are many factors that go in to determining where refugees reside once they enter the United States. One strong determinant of whether or not a community is chosen for refugee placement is housing availability. Because of the need for multiple unoccupied hopes, housing options are, oftentimes, found in “economically disadvantaged” areas where many houses exist for a relatively inexpensive price. Such is the case in the Southwark neighborhood. Generally, a substantial cohort of refugees will be placed together and form their own community, a bit separate and apart from, the neighborhood where they have been placed.
Though forms of sub-communities exist all over the country, the conditions set up by placing refugees in economically strained areas can, and often does, create a particular set of racial tensions. This kind of tension stems, in part, from miscommunication due to language barriers, as well as from a need for many people to access a limited amount of resources. While the government does help support refugees financially for a limited amount of time, little or no money goes to the receiving communities to ensure that already sub-standard resources stretch to meed the needs of an increasing population. Furthermore, refugee placement decisions are made at the international, federal, and state levels which, in turn, marginalizes the stress felt by individual community members.
Considering these dynamics, it is easy to see how quickly tension can escalate into violence, which is exactly what happened at South Philadelphia High School in 2009. The school’s instability merged with a long process of ignoring uncomfortable issues and a lack of integration. What resulted was an eruption of racial violence. Several students were hospitalized and the community was left reeling in fear. Furthermore perceptions of school officials were marred by their inadequate responses to growing racial tensions.
Since this eruption, many groups have come together in the spirit of community and ensuring the safety of every child; however, the reverberations of this event are still felt throughout the neighborhood. The lingering uncertainty and fear due to the violence are actualized in some narratives surrounding places like Southwark and Furness. These schools have come to be known as “safe” spaces for children of Asian descents, while other schools in the area remain perceived as more dangerous. Southwark and Furness are extremely diverse places and are accepting of all children. They also function with specific care to meet the unique needs of communities dealing with a combination of poverty and an influx of new inhabitants. Not every school in South Philadelphia is able or willing to work at accommodating for such a large diverse population.
|
While many people in this region agree that the situation concerning racial co-existence is heading in a positive direction, a new element will soon cause a shift in community dynamics. Through the diligent efforts of many community organizers and organizations this particular area of South Philadelphia has become a safer place to live, work, and go to school. This community turnaround now leaves a door wide open for gentrification. One can see this has already begun through extensive new construction projects in the neighborhood.
|