This New Jersey City Has Been Named the Most Racist City in the State

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Written By Blue & Gold NLR Team

 

 

New Jersey takes pride in its diversity and tolerance, but it also struggles with racism and discrimination affecting many residents. A new study from the journal PLOS ONE highlights New Jersey as one of the most racist states in the U.S., based on the frequency of Google searches for the N-word.

The study found southern New Jersey to be “much more racist than average” and northern New Jersey to be “more racist than average.” But which city in New Jersey is the most racist?

The Methodology

The study utilized data from Google Trends, measuring the popularity of search terms over time and across regions. Researchers analyzed the relative frequency of searches for the N-word in each of the 3,181 U.S. counties from 2004 to 2009.

They calculated a racial animus index for each county, reflecting the difference between the actual frequency of N-word searches and the expected frequency based on the national average. A higher index indicates a greater level of racial animus or hostility toward Black people.

Researchers also compared the racial animus index with various social and economic indicators, such as voting patterns, racial segregation, income inequality, education, health, and crime. They found correlations between the racial animus index and lower Black population levels, higher Republican voting rates, lower education levels, lower life expectancy, and higher mortality rates for both Black and white people.

The Results

The study revealed that New Jersey has the highest racial animus index in the Northeast and the seventh highest in the nation, with an average index of 0.28, indicating that N-word searches were 28 percent more frequent than the national average. Significant variation exists within the state, with some counties showing much higher or lower levels of racial animus.

Cape May County emerged as the most racist county in New Jersey, with a racial animus index of 0.77, the 12th highest in the nation. Cape May County, at the state’s southern tip, has about 93,000 residents, 90 percent white and 5 percent Black.

Known for its beaches, resorts, and historic landmarks, Cape May County also has a history of racial discrimination and segregation. In 2017, a Black family sued a Cape May campground, alleging harassment and eviction due to their race.

The city of Cape May, the county seat and the oldest seaside resort in the country, was named the most racist city in New Jersey, with a racial animus index of 0.82, the highest in the state and the 10th highest in the nation. The city has about 3,500 residents, 95 percent white and 2 percent Black.

Famous for its Victorian architecture, historic district, and tourism industry, Cape May also has a reputation for being unwelcoming to people of color. In 2019, a Black woman working as a server at a Cape May restaurant claimed she was fired after complaining about a racist note left by a customer.

The Implications

The study’s findings highlight the need to understand and address racism in New Jersey and beyond. It suggests that racism is influenced by structural and systemic factors shaping the social and economic conditions of different groups.

The study indicates that racism has negative impacts on both perpetrators and victims, linked to lower quality of life, poorer health outcomes, and higher mortality rates.

The authors recommend that policymakers, educators, activists, and community leaders take action to reduce racial animus and promote racial equity and justice. Suggested strategies include:

  1. Increasing representation and participation of people of color in political and civic institutions.
  2. Enhancing diversity and inclusivity in educational and cultural curricula and programs.
  3. Providing anti-racism and cultural competency training for public and private sector employees.
  4. Supporting economic development and empowerment of marginalized communities.
  5. Creating spaces for dialogue and collaboration among people of different racial backgrounds.
  6. Challenging and confronting racism and discrimination in everyday life.

The Conclusion

New Jersey offers much in terms of culture, history, and nature, but it has significant room for improvement in race relations and social justice. The PLOS ONE study has shown that New Jersey is among the most racist states in the country, with Cape May as the most racist city in the state. Racism is a complex issue affecting the well-being and dignity of all people, and the study calls for urgent, collective action to combat racism and foster a more equitable and inclusive society.

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