The increased collaboration and mutual awareness of both mainstream and minority projects -- and the vanishing of the differentiation between the two spheres -- could only lead to better and more relevant arts projects (Moscou 2010). I hope to be able to facilitate increased integration of the performing arts community to this end. Some major concepts that relate to the issue of race include identity, self-confidence and self-image, and a host of sociological and economic factors. The economic disparity between the various racially segregated neighborhoods in the greater Seattle area is readily apparent on a drive through such neighborhoods -- the "non-white" neighborhoods have older buildings in greater states of disrepair, a larger number of boarded-up and defunct storefronts, and higher crime rates than the more affluent white neighborhoods of the city itself and in outlying areas (Cornwall 2004; RSJI 2010). Greater integration would likely also result in greater economic equality throughout the city, but of course this problem is highly complex; one of the reasons the neighborhoods have remained so insulated, it has been suggested, is because people do not want to "abandon" their own people or feel that they...

"act white") in order to move up in the world (Moscou 2010). If integration could be achieved without anyone feeling that they were giving up something, but rather gaining something new, the Seattle area performing arts community and the greater Seattle area in general would see a great benefit.
Conclusion

It is foolhardy to think that issues of race and racialization in the United States could be solved by a single election, or even by another decade or possibly even another lifetime of effort, by focusing efforts on the community, however, individuals can begin making a difference in these issues tomorrow. In Seattle, a simple awareness of the diversity that the city and the area offers would be an excellent start to building a more integrated future.

References

Cornwall, W. (2004). "Racial issues raised over Democratic mailing." Seattle times. Accessed 3 August 2010. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2002070838_48thrace23e.html

Moscou, J. (2010). Personal interview. Conducted 1 August 2010.

Race & social justice initiative. (2010). City of Seattle Official Website. Accessed 3 August 2010.