Is Public Housing Another Covert Tool of Oppression in America?

In his essay, “Moving out of Public Housing” Howard Husock presented an effective argument supporting government owned housing presented in the 1930s by Catherine Bauer, a social reformer. Bauer explained that it was “Only governments [that] can set up the new method of house production . . . to replace the wasteful and obsolete chaos still prevailing” (Husock, 89).

According to Husock, Bauer’s 1935 theory, that America’s privatized housing market had dominated the era allowing “small builders . . . front-foot lots and,” what she called, “the miserable straggling suburbs” to reign over other options. “The ideology of individual home ownership must go” she exclaimed. The idea of constructing city housing projects across the nation signified change and hope theories such Bauer’s brought about two significant events: the 1937 congressional debate during which Senator Robert Wagner argued allowing the construction of public housing would help Americans, “who live in unsafe and unhealthy conditions . . . detrimental to morals, to health and safety” (Husock, 100) and Franklin Roosevelt signed legislation producing the affordable housing projects of today.

Husock argued that those who advocated so strongly for the construction of Public housing never imagined, “the realities . . . as they exist today” (91) after all, the original intention for public housing was to provide affordable housing for working class people (91). Husock noted also that the former mission to provide housing for low-income, working-class families was altered by a host of social variables that I concur with to some degree. Multiple causations contributed to the decline of the projects. 1. During the Second World War, millions of private homes and apartments were produced by American construction companies. 2. The beauty and affordability of these structures combined with assistance from organizations such as the National Association of Realtors who devised the Housing Affordability Index that compared housing prices and mortgage rates to a family’s income, sparked an exodus within pubic housing. 3. “Working families quickly abandoned public housing” (Husock 91).

From Overt to Covert: Racism Still Rampant Within Our Nation

Just as parents of other races do, African American parents have tremendous faith in social institutions of spirituality, medicine and, education and they depend on these forces of socialization to influence and mold their children. Indeed, all parents hope beyond measure that knowledge obtained during the socialization process will assist children at improving the world with respect for human difference. At the same time, by grasping basic socialization principles, each child will be afforded the same fair and equal opportunities necessary in the development of viably capable citizens able to sustain competitive advantage in host of diverse and important forums of society.


Unfortunately, for a disproportionate amount of African American children enrolled within the nation’s public school system, a dangerous and diabolical ploy has become evident and caused such astronomical damage that it can no longer be used as the subtle tool of discrimination that is was originally intended. These children will be labeled mentally retarded (MR), mildly, mentally retarded (MMR), emotionally, mentally retarded (EMR), and emotionally disturbed (ED) or, the blanket diagnosis will be rendered: learning disabled (LD). As a result, the aforementioned group duly labeled, has become overrepresented in special education classes. Not only can this categorization system (labeling and separating) damage the group’s chances at enjoying the equal education opportunities that they deserve, it also demeans and humiliates the labeled child and further exacerbates existing conditions that may have been treated with little cost to the state or the family.
Such large numbers of African American youth labeled and separated supports former racists’ ideologies that the African American is intellectually inferior to other groups:

HONORING the DEAD

Grandma Rose was a proud, stylish and beautiful woman who, at age sixty-five appeared to be about forty-five. Mimi and I did not know her very well during our youth. The only time that we got to see her was when my father would come by and happen to take us to her house on brief visits. I loved her house with its’ dim lighting, sleek parquet wood floors, oriental rugs and African paintings and sculptures. Everything was so clean, so neat that I remember thinking that she believed that children were too messy and that was why I believed that we did not visit that often. I longed to appear sociable hoping that she would invite us more frequently. While at her house, I would sit there stiffly, smiling politely not knowing what to say. I wanted her approval so desperately that I tried to answer every one of her questions as perfectly as possible. However, this resulted in shy monosyllabic responses to inquiries that required extensive elaboration; it was extremely awkward for us all.


During my early thirties, Grandma had her leg amputated. I began visiting that same Linden Boulevard apartment where I’d sat cowering at her greatness as long as I could remember, taking her to doctors’ appointments and grocery shopping, paying her bills and keeping her company too. I would even help her out in going to the bathroom and bathing herself which made us both feel a bit uncomfortable in the beginning; but after a while we grew accustomed to a routine that developed almost instantly and Grandma came to depend upon me somewhat. I was happy to get to know her and realized that we were enjoying a bond that was ancient and strong. She was the proud matriarch and I the venerating daughter.

Prison Subcultures and the Double Lives led by Corrections Staff

Sunday, July 05, 2009 Few American citizens are aware of the daily goings-ons inside the nation’s prison microstructures. In New York State prison has become “big Business” and generates industry in countless small towns’ upstate, towns that would otherwise suffer tremendous loss if the correctional institution holding it together closes down. The crime rate in New York City is secretly coveted by the prison industry which is a colossal monster, a sort of modern-day plantation housing hundreds of thousands of minorities and lower and middle class “inmates”, who many times, must learn to re-create themselves in order to survive within the subcultures of “the belly of the beast”. The Prison industrial complex of America is a paradoxical and lucrative entity and there are few states that have capitalized more on this commodity than New York State which boast that, “The New York State Department of Correctional Services is responsible for the confinement and [sic] habilitation of approximately 60,000 inmates held at 68 state correctional facilities plus the 916-bed Willard Drug Treatment Campus and the 100-bed Edgecombe Residential Treatment Facility.” (NYSDOCS Home Page)

Sociological Points of View: Researched Arguments on Public Aide

In “Moving out of Public Housing” Howard Husock offers an effective argument supporting government owned housing.  Presented by Catherine Bauer, a social reformer whose argument contended that it was “Only governments [that] can set up the new method of house production . . . to replace the wasteful and obsolete chaos still prevailing” (Husock, 89).  According to Husock, Bauer’s 1935 theory, that America’s privatized housing market had dominated the era allowing “small builders . . . front-foot lots and,” what she called, “the miserable straggling suburbs” to reign over other options. “The ideology of individual home ownership must go” she exclaimed. The idea of constructing city housing projects across the nation signified change and hope theories such Bauer’s brought about two significant events: the 1937 congressional debate during which Senator Robert Wagner argued allowing the construction of public housing would help Americans, “who live in unsafe and unhealthy conditions . . . detrimental to morals, to health and safety” (Husock, 100) and Franklin Roosevelt signed legislation producing the affordable housing projects of today.

Husock argued that those who advocated so strongly for the construction of Public housing never imagined, “the realities . . . as they exist today” (91) after all, the original intention for public housing was to provide affordable housing for working class people (91). Husock noted also that the former mission to provide housing for low-income, working-class families was altered by a host of social variables that I concur with to some degree. Multiple causations contributed to the decline of the projects.

Memorable Maddie Moments

"Oh, no!" David said, pulling his foot out of Cora Mae’s filthy bathtub. Cora Mae explained, "That’s how she left it! Drawers on the flo, ring ‘round the tub, her ratty, old, wig hangin’ atop that hook---jus didn’t even try an’ fix her mess none. That’s how Maddie was. Called ha self free spirited; towns’ folk called her a harlot. Imagine! Maddie walkin ‘round town, head high, struttin’ an’ gyratin’ like a lady of status an’ virtue. Made me sad watchin’. So I did what nobody in Stoddardville woulda. I invited her fo weekend soirees---well, ‘twas really Bible studies. Made Maddie change after while! But still, Nobody was mo surprised than me when Sweet Willie Saunter swept Maddie up, married her and, next thang I knowed, Maddie lockin’ her arms ‘round my neck whisperin’, “Chile, ahm Pregnant!” Wit Maddie gone, I jus nevah used that tub no mo, Davie. You understan’?

Teen Caught on Camera & Connected to Student's Beating

WARNING, WARNING

Hey Thugs:

The City Has Cameras Every Place Anybody Can Think Of. Just Ask Sixteen-Year-Old Eugene Adams Who Was Apprehended Because Either His Likeness Or He Himself Was Caught On Film Trying to Use A Stolen Credit Card

On Wednesday Brooklyn police arrested and charged a young African-American teenager for his alleged involvement in the beating of a young male student at Pratt Institute who is currently in a coma as a result of the injuries he sustained during the horrific attack. Sadly, 16-year-old Eugene Adams faces a host of charges: assault, robbery & criminal possession of property he allegedly stole from young Eddie Sanchez during the senseless beating. According to both police and reports from local news groups, several boys jumped Sanchez Monday night as he walked home from an unspecified location where he'd apparently been having dinner. The attackers beat Sanchez savagely and stole his wallet from his unconscious body. Sanchez, who remains in a coma is obviously unable to give police any leads but police confirmed that they are seeking at least two (2) more suspects in connection with this incident. The Proletariat Sends Prayer & Metta to You & Your Family Eddie!

What do You Think About The Proletariat?

Recently, I received an email from a reader that saddened me immensely. The reader stated that The Proletariat didn't publish anything that interested her and that the font was too small and the stories too long. Although I was happy to receive this reader's opinion, I became upset when I learned that she hadn't published her feelings on the site and replied back to her informing her that I wished that she had. It is so important to use our voices so that it may be shared with everyone who may benefit from it. Perhaps her commentary may have helped not only The Proletariat but other bloggers as well. So, I welcome you all to share all that you have to say on the blog itself because the blog is the forum in which we all can be heard. Thank You Reader and I hope that you will return to criticize us some more--we welcome YOU! YOU TOO ARE THE PROLETARIAT

Vitamin D Deficiency Study

Pregnant Dark-Skinned Women in the Netherlands

Exhibit a Predominance of Vitamin D Deficiency

As New Yorkers express both anger and satisfaction about the media-defined, financial serial killer and social pariah, Bernard Madoff’s multibillion dollar Ponzi scheme; there are a disproportionate number of women and children at risk and suffering in northern countries such as Hague, a metropolis located in the Netherlands. Being poor and uneducated has always been a detriment to the health of the disenfranchised, many of whom, reside in ghettos with a plethora of health and safety hazards.
Staggering numbers of dark-skinned women living in the Netherlands showed a predominance of vitamin D deficiency which is common in persons living in northern countries. Consequently, this particular vitamin deficiency will almost certainly have devastating health affects on both the unborn child and the mother carrying it.
Scientists were able to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women of a host of ethnic backgrounds in The Hague.

BET YOU DIDN'T KNOW THIS

What most of us know about the swastika is that, historically it represented National Socialism also referred to as Nazism and, of course the Nazi Party: A German political organization which took form around the year 1920 but, led by the infamous Adolf Hitler rose to prominence during the 1940s during which the party, formerly referred to as the National Socialist German Workers’ Party(Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei) transmogrified into the Nazi militia: a political, paramilitary entity replete with a police force known as the Gestapo. BET YA DIDN’T KNOW that the swastika was not always a symbol of hatred and the barbaric cruelty perpetuated by the Third Reich driven by an unrealistic desire for a pure German race Swastika: Swas-ti-kas [swòstkə] is a noun and is defined as (1) an even cross, the arms of which are bent at right angles. Since all four bars point in the same direction . . . with the four ends of the arms bent at right angles in a clockwise or counterclockwise position; also defined as (2) an ancient religious symbol formed by a Greek cross. The symbol is Greek by origin. “In 1921 Hitler was elected ‘unlimited chairman’ of the party, which in the same year adopted as its official emblem a flag consisting of a red field in the center of which was a large white circle containing a black swastika”(Encarta). According to wiki.answers.com: The swastika is a well-known good-luck symbol from India. . . . In Sanskrit, swastika means "conducive to well-being". In the Buddhist tradition, the swastika symbolizes the feet or footprints of the Buddha and is often used to mark the beginning of texts. Modern Tibetan Buddhism uses it as a clothing decoration. With the spread of Buddhism, it has passed into the iconography of China and Japan where it has been used to denote plurality, abundance, prosperity and long life. And Check This Out: In India, Hindus use the swastika to mark the opening pages of account books, thresholds, doors, and offerings. The right-hand swastikas are a solar symbol and the left-hand version represents Kali and magic. Among the Jains (A religion of India) it is the emblem of their seventh Tirthankara (A traditional holy man). In ancient Mesopotamia it was a favorite symbol on coinage In Scandinavia it was the symbol for the god Thor's hammer. In early Christian art it was called the gammadion cross because it was made of four gammas. Swastikas have also been found in Mayan and Navajo art. Send Us Some Stuff & Bet Us That We Didn't Know