Fourth World

Our video conference on Feb 28th with Professor Dotson was both enlightening and eye opening. In my travels I haven't been to the midwest as much.  I have mostly ventured in the south, southwest, north, northwest and west. With the recent migration of midwesterners to the south, I had some indication that the economic situation was bad, but had no idea to what effect until Professor Dotson presentation.

Professor Dotson's idea of "Fourth World" seemed a bit mis-useful at first until the pictures began. I think that Professor Dotson did a good job in going over the history of automobile industry. He indicated that many blacks moved from the south to the midwest in search of better jobs and opportunities. However the move was not without it's consequences. Many of the blacks were still subject to racism and discrimination within housing and schools.

Professor Dotson also showed us some clips from Gary, Indiana, (Michael Jacksons birthplace). Gary, Indiana was the thriving in the 50's and up until the 90's. The clip that he showed us was a bit disturbing. There were vacant buildings such as schools, libraries, churches, houses and recreational centers. The city was a complete ghost town, or as Dotson calls it a "Fourth World". Many residents have moved away leaving behind furniture, toys and clothes. The housing market has definitely been hit hard here.  Dotson informed us that there were some contractors who have acquired some of the deserted land and were planning on rebuilding communities, but at prices that would be unaffordable to most families. How does this connect to our readings?  We have been reading and discussing articles on the injustice treatment of blacks. From the strategically placed neighborhoods, to the unequal distribution of resources/money being funneled between black and white schools, which still exist today.

Professor Dotson shared some of his own personal experiences about his grandfather who lived in south. It was an introduction to his life's work with architecture and social justice. He showed us pictures and shared stories about the NAACP organization within his country town.

The presentation and readings were eye opening but not surprising. If we as social justice advocates are to combat these injustices, it is imperative that we don't just focus on one specific area, but look at the whole picture.


Niesha