Race and Crime in New Orleans

[Maddy McCall]

Right now, New Orleans has a higher per-capita crime rate than anywhere else in the United States, according to a couple of articles I read today. The murder rate is estimated at 96:100,000.

I've mentioned to several people I know that I want to go to New Orleans on Sunday to watch the Mardi Gras Indians Super Sunday parade--yes, the parade is in the "black part of town." I had not thought about being unsafe, until I mentioned going to this parade to my friends (and these people are liberals, mostly). I'm being told by everyone, "Oh, don't go there. You'll get shot." Or "That's a very unsafe part of town--you'll be the only white person there!" Or, "It would be completely irresponsible to take a child to see the Mardi Gras Indians parade. It's just thugs who attend those parades."

The reactionary side of me wants to ask them, "If these were white men parading, would you give me the same advice?"

When I look at the crime rate, though, I have to think that there is some credence to the warnings. All the while, I wonder if the advice is grounded in racism, or real knowledge of murder statistics in NOLA.

I'm really conflicted about this. I want to go, but I don't want to take my son to a place that isn't safe. And I don't want the race of the parade participants to be a consideration.

Where you live, do you ever have people tell you not to visit a certain part of town, a festival or event, because of crime? Do you wonder if the advice is grounded in racism or in true concern about crime?

Just looking to sound this out with some like-minded DUers.

[KamaAina]

1. Oh, for the love of Mike

if it's where it usually is, I was near there twice during my recent visit (both times to visit white folks, as it happens).

http://www.mardigrasindians.com/supersunday.html

Before 1969, the Indians celebrated by coming out at night to meet and greet other “gangs.” In 1969, the first parade was created and rolled through town at night. In 1970, it was switched to a day parade on Sunday afternoon, and has continued like that to this day. The parade usually begins around noon at Bayou St. John and Orleans Avenue. However, it has no exact route.

That is FAR from being the worst part of town for crime. Some of the hysteria probably stems from the fact that there was, indeed, a shooting at a Second Line parade shortly after those resumed post-K. It turned out to be a continuation of a "beef" between two young men; that kind of retaliation is responsible for much of the jaw-dropping crime rate.

I can pretty much assure you you won't be the only white person there; in fact, you probably won't even be the only white DUer there, as funkybutt is a Mardi Gras Indian fanatic who even goes to practices and the like (she'd also be a much better source of info than my 16-years-out-of-town self).

And these are the liberals?! Sheesh. I can only imagine what the cons must be like... :scared:

[Maddy McCall]

2. This parade starts at LaSalle and Washington.

Thanks for the top on funkybutt. I hope she checks in...I'll send her a PM, too.

[aikoaiko]

3. We have similar issues here in Savannah.

Lots of beautiful antebellum city and an interesting community, but also some vicious violent crime in same neighborhoods.

Where ever you are in downtown Savannah, around the corner is a "dangerous section" where I don't feel comfortable unless I'm carrying a gun. And even then, the comfort is meager.

Happy St. Patty's Day

[uppityperson]

4. Talking wtih friends there, should be just fine.

There seem to be a bunch of white folks there, esp for Mardi Gras parades. People I know there are mostly white, mostly young, doing recovery work, though I do know a few living there working on their own places while holding down jobs, etc.

As far as the bigger question about warnings and race, yes. I have had people warn me and sometimes it is real, sometimes racistic. You also have to look at raw statistics like this. Did you know that the vast majority of car accidents happen within 5 miles of the home, so you shouldn't drive near your home? I think it is more important where you are and what you are doing, more crime with a purpose rather than random violence.

This parade would be an experience for your son.

[frustrated_lefty]

5. New Orleans emigrant here, post-katrina.

There are 2 simple facts that are unavoidable.

One, the murder and suicide rate in New Orleans has sky-rocketed since Katrina. Two, there's a direct correlation between murder, suicide, despair and poverty. And, poverty in New Orleans has always been hardest on the black community. It's just that much harder since katrina.

Given the current circumstances, I wouldn't skip a parade or a part of town because of its racial makeup. I, personally, would give some thought to the poverty within any given section of the city before picking a spot to see the parade.

That may sound or look like racism, and, if it does, I am very sorry. Parents, especially in New Orleans, have a responsibility to be very careful with their kids.

[proud2BlibKansan]

6. I work in one of the most "dangerous" neighborhoods in my city

Nearly 30 years now. And I have never once been afraid or victimized.

It's all about perception. And yes, racism is part of the fear.

Go to the parade. You are teaching your son something very valuable if you go and you are teaching him fear if you cave in to fear and stay home.

[Laurier]

7. You'll probably be fine.

New Orleans has, historically, been a fun place for visiting adults, especially those who like to let loose, have fun, and who have turned the cell phones and video cameras off in advance :)

You didn't mention how old your son is, but if he is below the age of majority, I'd probably reluctantly suggest leaving him at home.