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TOPIC: Latin Dance Club Rejection: Racism In Scranton?

Agamemnon

Scranton Guy

Status: Offline

Posts: 63

Date: Thu Sep 11 6:33 AM, 2008

Latin Dance Club Rejection: Racism In Scranton?	Permalink

Interesting article in today's Scranton Times: Latin Dance Club Zoning Rejection The question is this: do you feel that there is any form of racist intent behind this decision? Is there any kind of growing discomfort with Scranton's growing Latin-American community? Interestingly enough, as a neighbor in this area, I was at the "meeting of 80" cited in the article. I didn't, however, attend the Zoning Board meeting, as I've been out of town over the past three days. Here are my two cents: Racially motivated fears do play a part in all of this, but it's not the primary issue. The endeavor in question...a dance studio and a low-power radio station...are not in a great spot. Cars regularly go in excess of 40mph on that stretch of Pittston Avenue, and the parking for this place was supposed to be across the street...not a good thing when you have children involved. What's more, some neighbors complained about the radio station interfering with cell phones, TVs, etc. While I'm not an expert in this area, I'd have a tough time believing that you could have a radio transmitter in a neighborhood and it wouldn't cause at least some interference. As for discomfort with Scranton's growing Latin community, I'd say that it exists and will probably get worse before it gets better. Change is difficult for some, impossible for others, especially when it comes wrapped in a different language. That said, this change is happening and will continue to happen, whether any of us like it or not. EVEN IF all the illegals were deported, there would still be a sizable population of legal Latin-Americans in the community, so this isn't an issue that can be solved through something like legislation for law enforcement. Like it or not, we will all need to get along if we want to live in Scranton. How much different is that though than Scranton circa 1900, when you had different ethnic neighborhoods, complete with different ethinic foods and languages? Growing up, the dedications on the stained glass windows of my church were in Slovak. In the final analysis, I do hope that Pedro is able to open the dance studio...somewhere that is centrally located with lots of parking. It's a great idea, as long as it's not in the middle of a residential neighborhood. __________________ "Hope at least gives you the option of living" - Harry Nilsson

Thursday's Child

Veteran Member

Status: Offline

Posts: 30

Date: Thu Sep 11 8:12 AM, 2008

RE: Latin Dance Club Rejection: Racism In Scranton?	Permalink

Strictly my humble opinion, but instead of hunkering down in the lower church of Nativity or other parishes, why doesn't the Latin community purchase from the diocese one of the larger defunct catholic churches the bishop has recently closed. They would have a place they could call their own to worship and/or meet freely. Most of the older churches have ample space in their lower levels for meetings, recreation and festivities. Many of the churches have a full kitchen and ALL of them have ample parking areas. As a Scrantonian (and as a catholic), I would love to see one of those old churches in service again, whether it be used as a place of worship or for a community service. __________________

Member

Status: Offline

Posts: 15

Date: Tue Sep 30 6:28 AM, 2008

RE: Latin Dance Club Rejection: Racism In Scranton?	Permalink

I think the Latino community can retain and support its cultural identity and still make a valiant attempt to participate in the community at large. Circling the wagons is a short-term response instead of a long-term solution. GC __________________

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