Blogging social difference LA -week 5

Week 5 - Bus Journey to Downtown LA

This week I want to discuss the bus journey I took on my way to Downtown LA. Although it was a relatively small journey, I encountered a number of significant incidents along the way. At 1 o’clock, I walked down to Wilshire Boulevard to get the Metro Rapid 720. The bus was extremely busy but was nicely air conditioned, making the journey quite relaxing. Moving outwith the University bus service, there was a clear difference in the range of individuals on the bus. The majority of the bus was over 40 years old and half the bus was made up of black males, one that was very polite to me when I entered the bus. There were also 2 homeless people on the bus. Their situation was a stark contrast with the areas we travelled through.

This was the first time I had travelled along Wilshire Boulevard.  The landscape was very unique. There were several high-rise buildings and apartment blocks lining either side of the road. Many of the buildings were very high quality, including the Palomar and Legacy hotel; which all had many expensive cars in the driveways. We also travelled past LA golf course, which has a very high joining fee, emphasising to me the amount of wealth in the area. Another interesting point I noticed was how quiet the road was for lunchtime in LA. It almost seemed as though less people were travelling here because the area only facilitates for the rich. Someone informed me that this stretch of road is in fact called Miracle mile and I soon drove past the LACMA museum.

Just before leaving the bus, an incident occurred which highlighted an important issue in the US. I witnessed an altercation between a 40-year-old white male and at black male in his early 20’s. A number of passengers were attempted to move up the bus, however, the older male was uncaringly blocking the way. Understandably after a while the black male swears at the older man. I wasn’t sure if this conflict was racially influenced but this incident definitely displayed the high-tension levels apparent in the bustling city of LA. As Rafah Al-Obaid, (2009) described in his paper, ‘Racial conflict in America,’ “The idea that one race or ethnicity is superior over others has existed for centuries”. I personally don’t believe that the white male felt he was superior over other races but there was a possibility the black male was slightly frustrated with the white males arrogance.

In summary this week provided a greater insight into less socially protected areas of LA. I feel it broadened my understanding of many social factors that I have never experienced in Scotland.

Al-Obaid, R, (2009), Racial Conflict in America: As told by Akron, Ohio Residents; University of Akron