Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Allelopathy

The word allelopathy derives from two separate words.
They are allelon - which means "of each other",
and pathos - which means "to suffer".

Plants exhibit allelopathy when one species emits toxic fumes to prevent the growth of another plant species.

Humans exhibit allelopathy - not to be confused with resource competition - when they suppress another group to a life in a toxic environment.
This is how ghettos are formed.
The prevailing culture creates a hostile environment in which another culture has problems existing.
The oppressed culture is forced to move to the less desired parts of town to retain any hope for their survival.

This is also how ghettos are regenerated.
The prevailing ghetto culture creates an environment that is hostile to anyone seeking non-conformity to ghetto ways.
Those seeking to do better for themselves are quickly eliminated in order for the ghetto to continue it's existence.

Who says humans don't emulate the natural world?

6 comments:

brohammas said...

While exostentially true, the idea that "they" created the ghetto, or that "they" try to maintain the ghetto, is a missdirection of accountability and productive planning.

If "they" are the problem then dealing with "them" would have to be the solution.
More often "we" are the problem and the solution.

Specifics are important in all substantial discussions of social issues. When the "they" is unknown or untouchable there is no hope only defeatism.

FreeMan said...

I would have to agree with Brohammas as the ghetto is is a missdirection of accountability and productive planning. It's one thing to say it's somewhat natural when I believe the lack of resources and social stability creates its own quicksand.

uglyblackjohn said...

It was created by the social ills of the times - it is perpetuated by those still there.

DPizz said...

I agree with Ugly, for a change - which probably means I misunderstood the post.

RunningMom said...

"when they suppress another group to a life in a toxic environment.
This is how ghettos are formed."

Yep - just Google "Detroit Riots" perfect example.

CNu said...

whoops...,

I guess you kneegrows weren't ever supposed to get fed up and erupt under the strains of racist economic oppression/exclusion, police brutality, the assassination of civil rights leaders, etc...,