<p>I think the racial remarks are pointless, and total in contrast with the spirit of the posts. There are plenty of other cities dominated by poor whites where much of the same prudence regarding individual safety would apply. In Chicago alone, the newer Eastern European immigrant enclaves are fairly unsafe. After all, a guy who robs you at gun point is still a guy who robs you at gunpoint irrespective of his skin tone. </p>
<p>Furthermore, you would not touch UChicago with a ten foot pole if you had a problem interacting with a large number of African Americans on a day to day basis. There are plenty of elite colleges in predominantly White / Asian areas to easily substitute. This is not to say that the university entirely lacks subtle, even outspoken racists, but we are talking about one percent of the student body at best. Most people who have serious issues with minorities I would wager avoid applying altogether. </p>
<p>The situation does become absurdly politically correct though when you have individuals who go out of their way to flaunt common knowledge about the areas crime. Trying to earn partisan merit badges by unconstructively passing free time in zones where the majority of residents themselves aspire to earn enough money to move out does not make you Barack Obamas protégé. </p>
<p>Finally, as for the area between the UChicago and downtown, the nicer neighborhoods do not afford the kind of savings these cost cutter students are looking for. Its the little spots in between that have been totally lost to meaningful development that are sought out. In the more immediate vicinity of the school, there are plenty of people who cut their rent by half by moving to the 63rd-67th street areas and then walk north to campus.</p>