Jean is an elderly white woman who lives alone in a house she has owned since she was in her 30s. When she bought it, her neighborhood was composed mostly of other white people, but now about one-third of the residents are African American. One day, Jean discovers a flyer taped to her front door. It is from a realtor, who promises that he will buy her house quickly. She notices that all her white neighbors-but not of her African American ones-have received similar flyers. She calls the realtor who contacted her and asks why he is interested in homes in her neighborhood. He explains that he understands that "people like her" might be noticing "unanticipated changes" in the neighborhood and might be interested in moving elsewhere, if they could find a buyer. Given the "fast pace of change" in her neighborhood, he suggests that she sell for a lower price than the value of her property.
Jean is a wise person who understands how racism hurts people of all races, so she hangs up on him. Then she attends that evening's neighborhood meeting, where she warns her neighbors, both white and African American, that a realtor is attempting to _____________ in their neighborhood. The community members spend the evening brainstorming ways to combat this nefarious attempt to buy white-owned houses for low prices and then inflate the prices for African American buyers.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The realtor is attempting to "blockbust," which involves persuading homeowners to sell their properties cheaply by suggesting that demographic changes (such as an increase in African American residents) will lead to a decline in property values. This practice is racially discriminatory and aims to exploit racial fears for profit.

Jean Is an Elderly White Woman Who Lives Alone in a House