Cincinnati VIOLENCE: Why Media Remains Mute

When a community falls into chaos and violence, who gets left behind to pick up the pieces?

At a Glance

• Rosedale, Texas, transformed from a thriving white middle-class neighborhood to a majority-black area with rising violence and institutional decline.
• Scott Cummings’ research highlights the plight of elderly and poor white residents who couldn’t flee during the demographic shift.
• Government policies and civil rights changes inadvertently contributed to the neighborhood’s decline, failing to protect vulnerable populations.
• The media often remains silent on racial violence, as seen in recent events in Cincinnati, fueling frustration and division.

The Transformation of Rosedale

Rosedale, once a predominantly white, middle-class neighborhood in Fort Worth, Texas, experienced a seismic shift beginning in the 1960s. As black families moved in, most white residents left in a wave of “white flight,” leaving behind those who couldn’t afford to move. Scott Cummings’ book “Left Behind in Rosedale” meticulously details the ensuing chaos: rising crime, the collapse of community institutions, and the profound isolation felt by the remaining elderly and poor whites.

If you’d like to know more, check out the book “Left Behind in Rosedale” by University of Louisville professor of urban policy and sociology (now retired) Scott Cummings. A gripping case study of how racial conflict decimates urban neighborhoods; recommended by field academics. pic.twitter.com/BvDK07dGDW

— 𝖓𝖎𝖓𝖊 (@atlanticesque) May 14, 2025

These remaining residents, largely ignored by policymakers and media alike, found themselves trapped in a neighborhood that had become unrecognizable. Cummings’ ethnographic work gives voice to these forgotten individuals, shedding light on their struggles amidst a rapidly changing social landscape.

Policy Failures and Unintended Consequences

The transformation of Rosedale was fueled by a combination of civil rights legislation and housing policy changes that opened previously segregated neighborhoods. While these changes were intended to promote equality, they inadvertently led to economic decline and institutional collapse in urban cores like Rosedale. Schools, businesses, and civic organizations weakened as resources dwindled and crime rates soared, leaving the most vulnerable residents without protection or support.

The book critiques both liberal and conservative narratives, highlighting the inadequacy of government policies and social programs that failed to address the unique needs of these marginalized groups. Cummings argues that the indifference of civic leaders and academics only exacerbated the plight of those left behind.

Racial Violence and Media Silence

Fast forward to today, and Rosedale’s story resonates with recent events in Cincinnati, where violent black mobs reportedly targeted white individuals. Despite the severity of these incidents, mainstream media coverage remains conspicuously absent, a silence that speaks volumes about the selective nature of racial discourse in America.

The media’s reluctance to address interracial violence fuels frustration among conservative communities, who see this as a double standard and an erosion of trust in public narratives. The lack of accountability and open discussion only deepens societal divides, leaving many to fend for themselves in a climate of fear and hostility.

Lessons for the Future

Scott Cummings’ research serves as a cautionary tale for urban policy and race relations. It underscores the necessity of acknowledging the unintended consequences of well-intentioned policies and the importance of protecting all residents, regardless of race, from the fallout of demographic shifts and economic decline.

As the nation grapples with ongoing debates about urban crime, gentrification, and media bias, the lessons from Rosedale are more relevant than ever. We must prioritize community cohesion, local agency, and practical solutions that address the complex realities of modern urban life.