hrm...

hate crime in queens. two white men attacked four asian men in queens.

the new york times decided to add that the victim's family lives in a "richly landscaped" $1m property in little neck. furthermore, the attackers were driving a 1998 toyota, while the victims were driving a lexus.

i don't think the article states it directly, but i believe there is an implication that the attackers represent the more violent and extreme elements of a community that is resentful of being pushed out of their old neighborhoods by more affluent minorities who have caused formerly financially stagnant areas to thrive. and this makes the remaining people a "weetle bit jealous."

the clueless city councilman avella doesn't seem to get it, or is simply pandering to the older residents of his community. futher, in response to the question about the crime, he victimizes the former residents by stating that there were business signs that were not being hung up in english, which was a sign that the businesses did not intend to serve the entire community. although i agree that english translations should be available, how does a general feeling of resentment help justify a violent crime?

anyway, if you're unwilling or unable to improve your surroundings, someone else will. that's the way it goes. tough shit. gentrification by affluent minorities. puts a spin on things, don't it?