Tennessee is a state with a long and complex history of racism, slavery, segregation, and civil rights movements. The legacy of these events still shapes the social, economic, and political realities of the state today.
While racism is not limited to any one city or region, some places have been identified as more racist than others based on various indicators and experiences. In this article, we will explore which city in Tennessee has been named the most racist city in the state and why.
The Criteria for Measuring Racism
There is no definitive or objective way to measure racism, as it is a multifaceted and nuanced phenomenon that affects different groups and individuals in different ways. However, some possible criteria that can be used to assess racism in a city are:
1.) The racial demographics and diversity of the population
2.) The history and presence of hate groups and hate crimes
3.) The disparities and inequalities in education, health, income, and justice outcomes among racial groups
4.) The representation and participation of racial minorities in politics, media, and culture
5.) The attitudes and perceptions of the residents towards racial issues and groups
6.) Using these criteria, we can compare and contrast different cities in Tennessee and see which ones rank high or low on the scale of racism.
The Most Racist City in Tennessee
According to a recent report by [24/7 Wall St.], a financial news and opinion website, the most racist city in Tennessee is Cleveland. The report ranked the most racist cities in each state based on the following factors:
- The percentage of white and black residents
- The black-white income gap
- The black-white unemployment gap
- The black-white homeownership gap
- The black-white incarceration gap
The report found that Cleveland, a city of about 44,000 people in the southeastern part of the state, has the largest racial disparities in Tennessee. Some of the key findings are:
1.) Cleveland is 84.4% white and 6.8% black, compared to the state averages of 74.6% and 16.8%, respectively.
2.) The median household income for black residents in Cleveland is $23,483, less than half of the $48,316 for white residents. The state averages are $36,618 and $54,452, respectively.
3.) The unemployment rate for black residents in Cleveland is 14.9%, more than double the 6.4% for white residents. The state averages are 9.9% and 4.3%, respectively.
4.) The homeownership rate for black residents in Cleveland is 28.9%, less than half of the 66.4% for white residents. The state averages are 42.2% and 72.3%, respectively.
5.) The incarceration rate for black residents in Cleveland is 3,379 per 100,000, more than six times the 537 per 100,000 for white residents. The state averages are 2,306 and 453, respectively.
6.) These statistics show that Cleveland has a large and persistent racial gap in economic, social, and justice outcomes, indicating a high level of structural and institutional racism in the city.
The Reasons for Racism in Cleveland
The report by 24/7 Wall St. did not provide any explanations or analysis for why Cleveland is the most racist city in Tennessee, but some possible reasons are:
1.) The historical legacy of slavery, segregation, and discrimination in the region, which created and maintained racial hierarchies and inequalities for generations.
2.) The lack of racial diversity and integration in the city, which limits the exposure and interaction between different racial groups and fosters ignorance and prejudice.
3.) The influence and activity of white supremacist and extremist groups in the area, such as the Ku Klux Klan, which promote and perpetuate hatred and violence against racial minorities.
4.) The resistance and backlash to social change and progress, such as the civil rights movement, the Black Lives Matter movement, and the election of Barack Obama, which trigger fear and anger among some white residents who feel threatened by the empowerment and visibility of racial minorities.
5.) The failure and unwillingness of the local government, institutions, and leaders to address and remedy the racial problems and challenges in the city, such as by implementing anti-racist policies, programs, and initiatives, or by acknowledging and apologizing for the past and present injustices and harms inflicted on racial minorities.
These factors, among others, contribute to the persistence and prevalence of racism in Cleveland, making it the most racist city in Tennessee.
The Conclusion
Racism is a serious and complex issue that affects every city and state in the country, but some places are more racist than others based on various indicators and experiences. According to a recent report by 24/7 Wall St., the most racist city in Tennessee is Cleveland, a city in the southeastern part of the state that has the largest racial disparities in economic, social, and justice outcomes among white and black residents.
The reasons for racism in Cleveland are rooted in the historical, cultural, political, and institutional factors that have created and maintained racial inequalities and tensions for generations. To combat and overcome racism in Cleveland, and in Tennessee as a whole, there is a need for more awareness, education, dialogue, action, and accountability from all sectors and stakeholders of society.