Hello the so-called residents of L.A. distressed areas are largely illegal immigrants. Sure that's an oversimplification but it's the primary issue involved not only in these areas but contributing to the economic collapse of California's state and local budgets, crime, hospital crises, school crises, cropland loss/urban sprawl etc.
There are at least two major issues getting rid of the financial and political incentives to destroy the middle and upper middle class and offshore our businesses and the enforcement of the laws themselves.
Racism towards white "European invaders" coupled with glorification of the criminal and dysfunctional lifestyle feeds this self feeding cycle.
The southwest U.S. was never governed by Mexico city between 1821 and 1848 and the Aztlan myth of a huge Aztec empire vanquished by Spain is fabrication. Mexico is double the size now as it was when Spain invaded. So the southwest claim is non-sense much like saying you got a car or home loan and never made the payments and the bank stole it from you. Sure they briefly gained it on a legal technicality but it was never occupied, governed or maintained and Mexico rule was rejected by the handful of Mexicans living among a vast majority of native Americans.
Now they want something back they never had in the first place.
A real solution would be demand English as a language, end the fraudulent anchor baby law actually referring to civil war slaves, end entitlements and special privileges for the so-called underprivileged and provide the tools and knowledge to succeed to those who sincerely want a better way of life and to integrate.
Sounds tough but tough problems need tough solutions coupled with realistic and fair alternatives and an appropriate level of understanding.
On an environmental note huge portions of U.S. wilderness and cropland are being transformed into cities that's bad enough for environmental impact but sickening to think that we are subsidizing and promoting ghettos by converting the U.S. from moderate population density middle class to high population density poor.
Perhaps gangland tourism can open some eyes and we can form a better society that's self-sufficient, sustainable, and makes the most of human capital in a fair and humane manner, instead of saying oh well the damage is done let's not point fingers.
Low income people deserve more than hope and empty promises they deserve results and a ladder to success.
For those who enjoy travel off the beaten track, the thriving eco-tourism business offers glimpses into some of the world’s most exotic locations, from the upper reaches of Canada’s Arctic Circle to the rain forests of interior Brazil. These travel services are not only a viable business, but also help build awareness of the earth’s more fragile regions.
Can the same principle apply to the world’s more fragile economic areas? In January, civic activists in South-Central Los Angeles say they will be commencing bus tours of some of the grittiest areas of the city, with profits funneled back into the community.
Organizers hope that such exposure will bring both economic opportunity as well as awareness of the problems faced by LA’s distressed communities. However, others are concerned that such services will put residents on display for gawking tourists.
According to a report in The Los Angeles Times, a nonprofit group plans to offer two-hour tours at an initial cost of $65 per adult, “with profits funneled back into the community through jobs, ‘franchised’ tours in new areas and micro-loans to inner-city entrepreneurs.”
The idea has been applied in other parts of the world, with mixed perceptions and results:
“The concept… seems to echo, more than anything, the ’slum tours’ of such sites as India’s Dharavi township and Rio de Janeiro’s favelas. Those operations have been lauded as innovative economic tools and mechanisms for humanizing poverty — and also attacked as exploitative and voyeuristic.”
So, will this type of tourism be akin to visiting places like Tombstone, Arizona, with more benign vistas of the Wild West culture? Or does it exacerbate, perpetuate and perhaps even glorify the dysfunction wrought by poverty and violence? Would making hay from gang warfare sites be the same as attempting to build an economic base off tattoo and check-cashing parlors?
Organizers say that the tours will emphasize education and public service, providing oral history about the rise of racist housing restrictions and how they “shaped ethnic enclaves and the formation of gangs.” The organization is supported by city business leaders and gang experts who are contributing start-up capital and advice, according to the article.
There are other ways to provide opportunities to distressed communities and people left outside of the economic mainstream. Education, entrepreneurship and a sense of hope and purpose are all building blocks to a better life. These communities need sustainable, quality businesses and organizations. Is tourism of the dysfunction the right answer?
