Mapping Racism in America

Mapping Racism in America
 
Given its history, the South is often considered to be the area the United States with the most racism. But a study might suggest otherwise.

Using a Google search-based measurement tool developed by data scientist Seth Stephens-Davidowitz, researchers analyzed 196 media markets across the country to pinpoint where most Internet searches for the “N-word” occurred between 2004 and 2007. Granted, performing Internet searches for this racial slur doesn’t necessarily make a person a racist, but the researchers say millions of Internet searches give them a solid idea of where racist attitudes are clustered.

On a resulting map, much of the Northeastern corner of the country is awash in red, indicating “above mean” Google searches containing the “N-word.” The Southeast is also red, although to a lesser extent, and most of the rest of the country is green, suggesting below average searches for the offensive term. (May 2015)


Fly the Disciplined Skies
 
U.S. airlines’ costs have plummeted due to lower fuel prices, but they aren't all rushing to buy more airplanes or open up more routes. Somewhat surprisingly, given the industry’s history, carriers are instead engaging in so-called “capacity discipline”: they’re cutting the number of available seats on routes that are less profitable or have weaker demand.

In particular, the strong dollar has made it more expensive for foreigners to fly U.S. airlines, cutting demand for international flights. Carriers are responding by reducing the number of those flights they offer, according to Credit Suisse. (May 2015)

Articles first published in The Financialist in 2015.