Lab 8: Census 2000

Utilizing data provided by Census 2000, I developed three maps detailing racial populations in America: blacks, Asians and some other race by counties. (Counties in America is the constant variable in all three maps). The maps are colored accordingly--the mapped area, title and legend are matched in color for easy identification and readability. These maps give us a better understand of spatial autocorrelation--that is, clustering phenomena and their significance. As evident in the black American population, the highest concentration is the southeast region of the United States. These states include: South Carolina, Virginia, Louisiana, etc. Moreover, areas of predominant black residence are usually segregated; the highest number of black people in a given county is about 85%. While I am unable to cite the reason for such clustering in the southeast region, I may conclude that blacks have been historically and overtly discriminated in the housing market. Case studies have shown how blacks and whites are often segregated into separate neighborhoods, which may lead to black people dwelling in dilapidated areas. Nevertheless, I viewed the (dis)placement of these groups as ramifications of legislation and policies regarding housing accessibility, affordability, gerrymandering and real estate development.

Contrary to the black population, the Asian population in America is quite dispersed. As evident in the second map, there are several coastal regions on both the east and west in which Asians dwell in large numbers. For instance, Honolulu City (surrounded entirely by water, but not shown in above map) ranks the highest in terms of Asian population. Other areas include southern and northern California, as well as the northeast region (states, including Maryland). Unlike black populations, there are not significantly high numbers of Asians in areas of Asian population. In Honolulu, Asians compose of 66% of the county population. Are Asians less segregated than blacks in America? What kinds of housing laws and legislation have permitted Asians to access housing with non-Asians? In relation to the region, are Asians more adapted to living in close proximity to the ocean? Do lifestyles and dietary needs provide us an insight to these answers? While I find it important to discuss these guiding questions which arise from the map, it's equally important to not create generalizations that can be disproved bys more meaningful data.

Quite interestingly, people who identify as "some other race" dwell in the southwest region of the United States. These states include: New Mexico, southern California, Arizona, Texas and New Mexico. The fluidity of racial categories and identification suggests that perhaps people who identified as "some other race" found themselves from a different origin. After all, on several surveys and applications, "whites" encompass people of European and Hispanic origins. While this may not necessarily be the case, the clustering of people of "some other race" toys with the idea that people who often exist in the borderlines of racial categories may not identify with generic racial categories. There is a high percentage of Latinos/Chicanos/Hispanics in the southwest regions: according to the Census 2000, there are 42% in New Mexico; 32.4%, California; 32%, Texas; and 25.3% in Arizona (source: http://www.census.gov/prod/2001pubs/c2kbr01-3.pdf). The high population of Hispanics (and often the aggregation of Hispanics as "whites") may correlate with the significantly high rate of people who identify as "some other race."

The census map series raises several questions and understanding of populations and identity in America. While blacks in America are predominantly in the Southern states, we note that Asians are dispersed along the coastal regions. Moreover, a heavy number of people who identify as "some other race" dwell in the Southwest region of Texas, California, New Mexico and Arizona. Racial categorization often overlooks populations and develop into generalizations. For instance, "Asian" does not allow viewers to understand the different groups swept under the "Asian" umbrella. Does this include or exclude Pacific Islanders? How many people within the Asian population identify as immigrants? Are they Desi/Indian, Southeast Asian, East Asian and Filipino as well? Likewise, "black" does not inform us on whether or not they are African-originated or from different parts of the world. Census maps give us an aggregated data of racial groups, which does not provide enough understanding as to the needs and state of these groups.

I have mixed feelings about GIS as a whole. GIS is undoubtedly a powerful tool; its ability to convey information in a meaningful method is its most strongest asset. However, it is a relatively inaccessible software for those without formal training or education. It is also very time-consuming and requires a series of trial-and-error before users can undertake the task at hand. For instance, joining tables created a wide array of confusion. I continued to link the wrong fields or columns for all the maps, which ultimately led to producing the wrong map. I had to figure out which columns to join on my own, while considering which step I had either skipped or missed. Perhaps there needs to be a more streamlined and simplified ArcGIS; or rather, an outline of all steps taken by users to allow easier back-tracking.

While data collection may be the most strenuous and time-consuming task (85% of the time!), GIS nevertheless allows data interpretation to occur. Granted, GIS is a relatively inaccessible software for everyday users and requires a certain degree of computer navigation and technical information. However, GIS is a truly effective software for our understanding of the world. It provides context and allows further research; it shed lights on historical and sociopolitical aspects of living. For instance, with the help of GIS, we can identify the clustering of certain types of businesses (i.e. marijuana dispensaries) in particular locations (i.e. Westwood). Mapping all of these out can give us more information into understanding the people (including sex offenders) and history of the Westwood area. By heightening our awareness and probing our curiosity, GIS is a giant leap into the future.