Virginia Postrel finds herself intrigued by the glamour of Portland, Oregon:
It’s interesting for three reasons. First, it continues to draw young people even though it’s hard to find a job there. Second, people imagine it as a sort of earthy-crunchy locavore haven even though its economy depends heavily on huge multinational companies like Intel and Nike. Finally, in an era of increasing ethnic diversity it is seventy-six percent white, suggesting that its attractions include an escape from the stresses of dealing with difference.
The Dream of the 90′s is alive in Portland.
It’s where young people go to retire.
And only 6 to 7% black. That’s the secret. Portland has found a way to exclude blacks, and SWPLs don’t want to be near blacks. To them, East Asians are diversity enough.