Mary Mitchell

You know that PC has reached out of control proportions when we demand it of our mobsters. Only in present-day America, huh?? Of course it's the race card.....can we no longer sell, or not sell our personal possessions to whomever we please? In the world of Mary Mitchell, apparently not. Ms. Mitchell, is your life hard obsessing about race every minute of every day?? Just curious.

MITCHELL COMMENT:

This is a blog about race. You don't like it. Don't read it.

Shouldnt it be alleged mob-connected seller, or is that only held for the black community when they "allegedly" had a fake gun that resembled a real one and "allegedly" pointed it at police. Do you know for a fact this was about race, if you dont state that in your column.

MITCHELL COMMENT:

I posed a question about race, I didn't write the news story. Stop nitpicking. It's annoying.

Yes, the race card is rearing it's ugly head here Ms. Mitchell. No matter how much money you have, you will constantly be reminded that you have Black skin and that disqualifies you from full participation unless of course you are Oprah. What do you think Ms. Mitchell?

MITCHELL COMMENT:

It doesn't really matter if the racism is real or perceived. The fact is, African-Americans have experienced so much blatant racism, that when they are mistreated by a non-black person, he or she has to automatically consider the role race might have played in the negative interaction.

Well, this is surprising on many fronts...

(1) The $500,000 was just for the "land" to build on, and one of the requirements was at least a 7000 sq ft home be built so this was going to have to run in excess of 2.5M so yeah, I'd have to assume this oral surgeon could afford to live there...

(2) Actually, a number of blacks already live in Barrington (and in some of the nicest sub-divisions & developments) so I was thinking someone was too little too late to the racism table...

(3) And if the allegations in the suit are true (not a defense, but again, you don't know unless you're there for the conversations) then I would have to say it was a very clumsy attempt to keep him out. First-hand conversations with someone who "might" be willing to go public and risk a mobsters wrath? Has our famous Chicago mob status really fallen that low?

Ahhh...nothing is sacred anymore but I digress...

Yeah, an unusual story on many fronts...

No race card here. Just race-ism (misspelled for effect).

That old black tax is bad enough, but this is just a black-out.

Of course, mob connected Italians (hell, non-mob connecte Italians) are KNOWN for being racist. KNOWN FOR IT! Please don't talk to me about exceptions. We will consider them exceptions to a very unfortunate rule.

Ah well, this poor, poor millionaire will have to find another suburban mansion. Boo flippin hoo.

I'm so sick of everything being blamed on race. No matter how much money a black person has they ALWAYS play the race card.
I, been screwed over by contractors. I didn't start saying its because I,m white. You black people should be more like Bill Crosby. Have some class.

Mary, this doesn't surprise me. From my point of view, the people who live in that area are racist and not afraid to show it or teach it to their kids. My sister lived in that area for a brief period of time and it was the ONLY time that my nephew has ever experienced racism. He was only 3 or 4 at the time. And the neighborhood kids HIS AGE who were white made fun of him, pointed at him, called him a monster and their parents didn't care. When he tried to play with them, they would point toy guns at him and pretend to kill him. His only friend there was the child of the only other minority family (I believe they were Asian) who these white kids treated the same way. And even though this family was closer in skin color to white people than my sister was, they and their child still experienced the same prejudice and blatant racism from their neighbors. My sister now lives in a quite diverse area upper middle class area where that sort of thing does not happen. There's a mixture of everyone there, from black, to white, to asian, to hispanic. And they all get along.

I used to live in the same area, and turned out that we were neighbors with a white family who was affiliated with the KKK. Even though there's no crime there, everyone is friendly and gets along, this family put up fences, security cameras, you name it. And then they moved as soon as they could because they didn't like that the white woman next door was married to a black man. Now this is an upper middle class area. There aren't any ignorant folk up in there, there aren't gangs, there's nothing but peace and tranquility and people who want to live in peace in a good neighborhood in nice homes.

This is why I feel there are some white people who DO NOT want anyone who isn't white living anywhere near them. And it is glaringly evident in the Chicago area and suburbs. You could be rich as don't know what, but if you're black, you're not welcome. If you're not white, don't bother. And if you're white and married to someone who isn't, there's a special hatred reserved for you.

And beyond that, most of the shopping places are located in these predominantly white areas. Try to get some of these stores into areas with a good number of minorities that are comparable in class status. They outright won't open a store there, or if they're already there, they'll close down. Why is it that in some predominantly white places a tiny ranch house built in the 60s and 70s costs as much as a newly constructed house with all the works in an area with a lot of minorities cost?

I prefer to live in an area where there is diversity. I want to be around white people, asian people, hispanic people, black people. Because that's how I grew up. That's what college was like for me. That's normal to me. I don't want to live in a homogenous place. I want to live in a place with people of all colors who are about something in life and who want to live peacefully with each other.

But I don't think there are too many whites who would say the same thing. I seriously think that a lot of white people just don't believe that any area that has minorities could be just as good or better than where they live. After all, sometimes all it takes is one minority family, they could be mega sucessful, or just plain decent people, but it doesn't matter - the white flight begins. And they destroy their own former neighborhoods by running away from a non-existent threat.

Now I know of a number of white people who feel the same way I do in terms of where they would like to live. But this number is miniscule compared to the ones I know who don't feel the same way I do.

mary i continue to find it funny that the black elite feel that they are above the fray.all the capital in the world will not change the fact that they are black.delusion of granduer is very prevalent with this group.

The problem is not racism or the so called race card. The problem is the lack of information provided. Anyone can attempt to try their lawsuit in the press, especially if it can force a settlement. Accusations do not impose instant credibility on the accuser.

The real story will come out in court where evidence, not rumors or hearsay, rules.

There is an old legal axiom: There are three sides to every story, the plaintiff's, the defendant's, and somewhere in the middle is the truth.

Unfortunately, this is just a fact of life. It is somewhat surprising though that the seller would renege. Usually a person would swallow their pride when it comes to financial interest. Apparently, this mobbed up dude is so biased against blacks that he's willing to put off on financial gain. Sad.

A desire to keep property values up is not racism. Not going out of your way for someone when it will cause you financial loss is not racism. This is about money, not race.

What if it had been discovered that the buyer was a sex offender rather than black? You see that by allowing this person to buy, property values will fall, as right or wrong, people aren't as likely to want to live there knowing this person is living nearby?

In the same way, right or wrong, there are a significant number of people out there who don't want to live around blacks. This has to be taken into account in business decisions like any other factor. It's not the job of the seller or developer to judge the morality of customers, but to make money.

The capitalist economic system is amoral, and unless it is abandoned, minorities will continue to be put an an economic disadvantage.

The fact that you would put the ridiculous Diane Burns story in the same sentence with racism is comical. Many contractors are not perfect, they will try to do as little as possible once they have your money. The funny thing is, Diane Burns' suit seemed to say, "they are trying to take advantage of another stupid black person". This is in fact a PERFECT example of what most people in the white community view as playing the overused race card. In the end, they drown out legitimate race issues we face in the community. Diane...go away and take your stupidity and insecurity with you!

I have yet to understand why well to do blacks continue to give whites a license to Jim Crow us.

A person should have the right to live wherever he wishes--in theory. In practice, however, in Chicago and its surrounding areas, blacks know where they're wanted or at least tolerated. South Barrington isn't one of those areas unless you're an athlete.

Not all whites are racist. Some of them are fair minded, whilst others are simply indifferent as regards blacks. In any case, as long as blacks continue to strive for success as defined by white people, including living in South Barrington, we will continue to be reminded that the back door is our designated entrance.

And to those who would say that I've a defeatist attitude, you're wrong. I've lived in America long enough to see the writing on the wall and it's clear to me that there will never be harmony between the races here--the land of the free. Racism is acute in Chicago, but it's been the same no matter where I've been in the States.

Diann Burns's complaint is nonsensical. Why didnt she hire black contractors?

I see the Barrington incident as blatant racism, and I see the Diann Burns story as playing the "race card."
I don't see how you can compare these two stories.

So, the seller is connected to organized crime -- swindling, stealing, lying, cheating, murdering -- and then it turns out that he's also a racist? This is like discovering that you've bought a rabid dog that isn't housebroken. The surgeon should be glad he isn't buying from this this creep and that he'll never have to have anything more to do with him.

I'm guessing I speak for a fair number of white people who I assume you're speaking to when you ask if "some of you" consider this playing the race card.
If I were black, I would be insulted by Burn's assumption that because she is black, this contractor is trying to take advantage of her. Why? Because they don't stand up for themselves and try to settle a dispute? Because they think black people are stupid? Suing a contractor is perfectly in her right if she isn't getting what was agreed to in a contract. Sue them for breach of contract. Playing the race card is comical in this case and somehow you don't see it. For every absurd instance like this Burns case, we probably ignore or dismiss 2 other legitimate racist or race-based issue. That really is sad...

discrimination hurts...but doc needs to suck it up and move on. i wouldn't wanna buy land from someone like that anyway. it's a blessing in disguise.

Do black's ever have a situation where they were treated poorly by a white person and not think it was racism?
Racism is not the only motivating curcumstance in a business transaction.
I am white and get treated unfairly all the time. When this happens I blame it on the ignorance of the person I am dealing with not on some deep rooted dislike over how I look.

MITCHELL COLUMN:

But suppose someone flat out told you they were not going to sell you a piece of property because you are white? What then?

Hi Mary, your link is broken, just an FYI -

MITCHELL REPLY:

Thanks.

Sounds like this guy ran into some A**hole and if he had a contract and used a good lawyer he should be able to sue in court.

Dianne Burns case is still unresolved, as to how she is using her race card we do know she has tried to seal the proceedings (kinda funny dont you think if its racism she would like to keep that secret) but its nice to know you believe it was racism rather than a dispute between a contractor and a wealthy home owner. I mean those things never never happen to white people.

Unfortunately Mary its your rush to judgment to side w/ Diane Burns in her case and others like Oprah and Louis Vuitton which belittles real racism which apparently occurred in Barrington.

MITCHELL COMMENT:

No, I didn't take a position on Burn's allegation. What I said that it's sad that even members of the millionare club have to think about racism--.

Racism will always be a culprit for black Americans. The more progress we make, the more hatred is going to surface. Remember,after the slaves were freed,hatred became a way of life for those who saw free labor disaspear.

I don't know about the South Barrington issue, but please spare us the drama on the ridiculous Diann Burns fiasco. She foolishly raises the race card, which even her lawyers are backing down from. And why is this?

Because what's emerging is a picture of a pampered, spoiled "millionaire" making excessive demands from a company that is well-known and respected. A company that even Burns' camp acknowledges has done extra work totalling tens of thousands of dollars that was done "gratis." This is a woman who is upset at a drainpipe issue on her NEIGHBOR'S PROPERTY and expects the contractor to "take care of it."

She provides no proof of her claims, yet opens her yap and then has the nerve to try and get a judge to put a gag order on the case. She's an idiot, and I for one won't miss watching her on the news.

I am always amused when well-to-do black professionals assume that whites will be accepting if they achieve certain things. They actually seem to belive that whites will feel less indifference to them if they can afford to live in a white neighborhood. Do they think whites commute two hours both ways because they like the ride? I think they should stop forcing themselves on communities that rather not have them there. Why do we let whites dictate our sense of achievment?

"But suppose someone flat out told you they were not going to sell you a piece of property because you are white? What then?">>Mitchell

I would go look for a place where I was welcome. Why would anyone want to live where they aren't welcome? Geezy has it right about forcing yourselves on communities that don't want you. Dictate your own communities and your own sense of achievement.

Furthermore, how can anyone ever convice White America that housing integration is so great when the Blacks keep trying to live in White only communities? What are you running from if all the black folks make such great neighbors?

But suppose someone flat out told you they were not going to sell you a piece of property because you are white? What then?">>Mitchell

You didn't actually respond to my point. I asked if a black person ever has a negative transaction with a white and not assume it was because of race.

If someone flat out tells you they will not conduct business because of your race they are breaking the law. They have just handed you a winning lawsuit.

I am interested in your idea that blacks MUST always consider race to be a motivating factor - WHY?

What good does it do anyone to hang their hat on their race. This does nothing but give you an excuse when things do not go your way.

Racism exists and life is not fair. Everyone however can rise above the hand they were dealt. It becomes much harder when people think they have no chance because society is not fair.

There are countless stories of black people who have come from NOTHING to do very well in this society. Diane Burns is in the top 1% of wage earners in the world! Yet she still has the audacity to claim she is a victim of race relations.

MITCHELL COMMENT:

I'm sure a lot of black people get up every day and go about their business without blaming white people for their troubles.

"Stop nitpicking. It's annoying."
What do you call every article and blog you've written???
"This is a blog about race. You don't like it. Don't read it."
Be sure to don't read my coming blogs about blacks who get nasty haircuts to look more white.

MITCHELL COMMENT:

Since this is my blog, you're the one who doesn't have to read it. Get your own.

Aren't we all overlooking the fact that housing discrimination on the basis of race is illegal? If this man can meet the seller's asking price, then he is entitled to buy the property. The answer to the above question about whether we all have the right to decide to whom we sell is "no," in some circumstances.

If black people only went to places where they were "welcome", they would still be in servitude on the plantations. That simply is not an option. All Americans and should be able to live in the best neighborhoods that they can afford. As any family moves up the socio-economic scale, it is only natural for the family to want to live in neighborhoods with others who value the same things whether that be million dollar homes, private schools, or gated communities. Wealthy blacks want to move away from blighted areas just as wealthy whites want to live far away from trailer park homes.

The doctor has other options and should exercise them. No, it doesn't feel good to be rejected because of skin color or some other unknown or unknowable characteristic. Why dwell on it when someone else would be gladly willing to take his money and he can still get the kind of home he wishes. The story is only notable because it illustrates that racism still exists (if that's really what's going on here)and that it cuts across social classes.

Finally, Diann Burns is simply laughable. Racism? I think not and I doubt that any jury will either. I also doubt that Diann really believes that racism is at play. If she really believed that then she would seek all media attention that her special status provides rather than trying to seal the records.

I wonder how many white people posting would be singing a different tune if it turned out a white person wasn't being allowed into some close-knit or exclusive community where they weren't welcome. Think that never happened in the past?

Hell, "no Irish need apply" signs were common barely a hundred years ago, I know because one of my mom's family (non Irish) told that to my dad (Irish) the first time he met them all, apparently in a fit of astonishment my mom would consider marrying such a barbarian.

I'm sure Italians, Greeks, and the other "dark" Europeans all have similar stories.

today it wouldn't surprise me if a successful professional with a thick off-the-boat Polish accent was steered away from some crusty old money area.

I agree with the sentiment that many white folks who aren't racist don't appreciate how many racists there still are in the world.

Unlike the Europeans who eventually managed to gain acceptance & fit in, more or less, black folks don't have the advantage of similar skin color to pull that off, so they will always be looked at skeptically by those who judge foremost by appearances.

My comment is about the race card specifically. I'm a 28 yr. old black man who stays on the south side of Chicago and I think that some black people definently use the race card entirely to much when it's not justified. Whenever they don't get their way "it's cause I'm black is'nt it". In doing that you they make it harder for someone who has a legitimate complaint about race. So pretty much from now on anytime it's used, it will be looked at as insignificant. It's some white people out here who act like a**es not because their prejudice , but because their a**es. Or maybe they had a bad day which we've all had at one time or another. But on the other hand I'm sure most of the situations are because of prejudice but we'll never know that due to all the unnecessary race cards floating around.

Hopefully no more ink goes wasted on Diane Burns. Probably the most self-absorbed person I've ever met after having the unfortunate experience dealing with her years ago when she came into our office to have her teeth bonded. I'm only surprised her suit didn't include charges that the contractor was a member of the KKK.

I guess it is a shame when a respected doctor is told by a mobster that he can't buy something because the mobster is a racist, however, I really don't think that is any reflection on current race relations. More a curious anomoly, a left over tragedy of former days when racism flourished. I am sure there are plenty of people living in the the Barrington areas willing to sell their property to anyone that can afford it. The housing bubble is losing air and people are looking for only one color when they sell and that is green.

The good doctor learned a valuable lesson that many white people learned. Don't do business with the mob.

Speaking first to those who BEHAVE as though they OWN the world, and no one else lives in it!

When Europeans first came in masses to this continent, it was to seek a better life. These people were tired from persecution of Europe's monarcharies & atrocities.

While here they encountered the Native Americans, who were more than willing to share a vast continent with them. They would show them how to work the land, have feasts with them, and basically try to GET ALONG with these new strange people from another land.

Sadly, this was NOT what Europeans wanted to do. They wanted ALL the land for themselves, and preceded to take it forcibly from a peaceful people. Some might think "Strongest of the Fittest" survives. No, it was the lies from treaties that were broken which garner this land.

My view is from the plague of death Europeans brought with them began killing off the indigenous people. How whites consider this to be superior is beyond me?

Whites later, colonized and stole a continent from another people who were living peacefully. When realizing the Native Americans were dying, and the sorry lot of Europeans couldn't hold up a tree limb in the shade, they figured "Well what the hell?", lets invade another continent. They went to Africa enslaving the people to forcibly come here to labor freely for centuries.

It's amazing two contintents of peaceful people were deceived into THINKING, these people are NOT so terrible. But now that light has been shown on their deceit for all the degradation they have brought into the world, they can not accept this truth.

Maybe if the Internet was around back then, Native Americans and Africans could have emailed or text message each other about this deceit.

I know I am a little off point, but not really.

Understand, now that Europeans have taken everything, they don't want NO ONE WHO DOESN'T LOOK LIKE THEM to ENJOY America.

White America, why is this?

Do not worry about me integrating, worry if I will keep the damn maintenance of the home up. That is what I will be thinking about you!!

Why in heavens name are you concerned if I moved next door, or down the street or around the corner?

To James D. August 15,2006 0.3:35 p.m., it is people such as you who state "White Only communities" which Ms Mitchell wants to speak about Race, Racism, Bigotry and the rest of the HATRED that you have for those who don't look like you.

Do NOT worry if my American Black neighbors are good ones, only wonder if I will be a good neighbor to you if moving next door without seeing my skin color first.

Is it possible for you to see me as a Human Being first who can LIVE any where I want in AMERICA? Is that too hard for you or any white person to do?

Secondly to African-American or Latino posters, I do comprehend "Why do Blacks and others even try to move into these neighborhoods knowing hostility awaits us?"

Maybe it is a sickness or disease left over from earlier interaction from pre-colonial days that hasn't been fully flushed from our systems.

I would like to think it is more of "I am an American who has the right to live, work, and have recreation where ever I want in the United States."

Dreams do come true.

James D., You are wrong on this. An American citizen (I said citizen, not anything illegal) has the RIGHT, if they have the dough, to live anywhere they want. I say this as a white guy, I'm middle-aged, I'm not one of those hypocrite liberals, and somewhat conservative in my beliefs and lifestyle. Hey, I'm even a Garth Brooks and George Strait fan. However, decency needs to win out here. Remember, this is America. I suggest you read this paper called the U.S Constitution. Thank you.

Don G,
You are right, not selling to someone for the purposes of keeping property values up is not racist; IT'S ILLEGAL you nit wit!!
And comparing blacks to sex offenders make you sound even dumber!!!

Just in case you thought Chicago may some progress in race relations it would take a situation like to bring you back to reality. Racist will fall out of the sky to make bigoted comments.

Mary, it appears to be racism to me. At least if the article is factually correct. Question is: Why is this such a big deal? The buyer, Ms. Burns, may have been blessed by the refusal of the owner to allow her to build. Suppose he had allowed the deal to continue and she had receive a sub-standard home. If there truly is racism in Barrington to this degree, I doubt that zoning woul