A Resurgence of Hate in West Dallas
It would perhaps be more accurate to claim that there is a strong resurgence in studying the hate often associated with the outer reaches of Dallas in the past. This newfound interest takes a predominant look at both South Dallas and West Dallas.
Surprisingly perhaps, this interest in the violent and racist past of parts of the Greater Dallas area seem to stem from the younger generations. Most of the ardent students are people who are new to Dallas, and in their twenties and thirties.
Dallas may not be an ideal city, though it has largely overcome its violent and divisive past to become a more culturally inclusive location where virtually anyone can pursue the American dream. It is difficult for many in the world today to imagine the turmoil and strife that sewed the sinews that make up modern Dallas.
West Dallas, One For The Books
Just recently, a relatively obscure book written by a Dallas author sold on E-Bay for nine hundred dollars. Only five thousand copies of the book had been originally printed due to the controversies brought to light in the words written. Nearly half the books were lost in a fire at the Publisher, resulting in the book becoming exceptionally rare.
Given the controversial nature of the book and the attempts to suppress its publication back in the eighties, there was very little push for a reprint or a new publication run. In fact, it would be fair to say that there were more than a few prominent Dallas politicians who celebrated its demise. So what is the name of this controversial book?
The name of the book is The Accommodation: The Politics of Race in an American City authored by Jim Schutze. Jim Schutze was a City Hall columnist for the Dallas Times Herald. The Dallas Herald Times last date of publication was on Pearl Harbor Day, December 7, 1991. The book itself died long before the paper, but the controversy continued, until recently.
Who Is Researching The Racial History of West Dallas
Jim Schutze noted that there was a renewed interest in his work as he began receiving an inordinately large number of speaking invitations to speak about the subject matter and the racial history of Dallas and the surrounding areas. He was apparently somewhat struck by the fact that so many of his newfound followers were so young, and mostly new to the West Dallas area.
Over the course of time, this led to the possibility of creating a new publication run and reintroducing the book into the local markets. Fortunately, it would seem that many people have decided to lean on history more as a learning lesson than as a point of contention. Dallas remains one of the most highly divided areas in the nation, this despite recent political gains that have substantially strengthened support for minority communities.
It seems only fitting that the past be studied and learned from, and the road forward be more fully inclusive. West Dallas remains one of the most culturally diverse areas in the Greater Dallas area. Its history is steeped in cultural diversity matched only perhaps by the almost mythical Melungeon people of Appalachia. Only be learning the lessons granted us through history can we move in a united front towards a better future for all of the people of West Dallas.