2018 EP Speech Tournament
Discussion
Round 2
I People Issues (Section Topics)
G. Racial and economic-inspired migration (“white flight”, gentrification, clustering)
This demographic change is also seeing more dramatic change in what was once considered mostly “white” suburbs. An article by William H. Frey published in the New Republic, November 2014. The article highlights statistical data suggestion demographic changes for Whites and Blacks along with Asian and Hispanic changes in urban and suburban areas in 100 of the largest Metropolitan Areas in America from 2000-2010. It suggests that a “growing number of suburban areas are achieving what might be termed “melting pot” status. In 36 of the 100 largest metropolitan areas, minorities represent at least 35 percent of the suburban population, approximately the same as their share of the national population.”
Over the decades many have claimed that the phenomenon known as "white flight" was an example of institutional racism that left low income blacks in the deteriorating urban centers (inner cities). However, the information above suggests that is might be more complicated than just a white and black issue.
You are a committee organized to first investigate what problems does (the theory of) "white flight" present for inner city communities and now first tier suburbs. What economic, social, and political problems does this demographic change present for communities, states, and the nation as a whole. Who, if anyone should be accountable (who do we blame) for the subsequent problems that have developed. Please take into account the new phenomenon and challenges of so-called "whites" moving back to the urban areas? Are there "two Detroit's" developing and what can or should be done.?
Your task is to develop a five point strategy that state government law makers can consider when making future laws to relieve the problems associate with this demographic change (white flight) for both urban (inner cities) and suburban (suburbs). You are not expected to solve all the problems. However, your five point strategy should provide steps state government law makers can take towards addressing the problems related with the changing demographics.
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