As St. George, a rich wealthy, white-dominated suburb detaches from Baton Rouge city, motivated by the need to create a school system that is overall excellent, and not impacted by the almost always C grade performance of the #EBR East Baton Rouge Parish School System, do we call this classism or racism?
The newly founded #city now has a great point to prove, standing as a municipality. Considering the bold steps taken by the many residents of St. George, do we expect more detachments and independence of other suburbs? What are the pros and cons of this development, socially and economically? Well, economically, we could predict the outcome considering median income per household and the cost of starting up to exist and develop even more. Socially, we might not be precise. However, we could ascertain the number, type and function of various social infrastructure currently in existence, and whether their coexistence advances a society that is not only unique but fully represented in terms of making consensus on critical decisions. We might say that because St. #George conquered becoming a city, but the next steps are the more important things. I am not being pessimistic but I do hope that they get it right. Important questions the leaders might want to cogitate and deliberate upon should and must include, "What is next for us to do? What are our vision and expectations? How do we measure our development and success? How do we become more representative of the diverse voices and different minds that make up our city? What are the critical lessons learnt from the failures and successes of existing cities within and beyond Louisiana? What do we stand for?" and many more.
Again, as St. George declares its independence, which comes next? How else does it impact Baton Rouge as a city and a parish seat? Do we call this #racism or classism?
#TheSolutionPeddler #GreenUrbanism
Photo Credit: The Advocate
