Thread: Dallas: The Observer Slams Farmers Branch in Best of Edition

For those in the Dallas area you may be aware for Village Voice Media's alternative "The Observer" I quit reading the observer some months back when a syndicated column that they run called a hispanic person in Florida racist epitaphs because they believe in deportation and English.

I finally decided to dig out the 2007 Best of Dallas edition which came out about a month ago to compare its findings to a similar release by the like-minded D Magazine.

Sifting through all of the Best of I came across the "Scenes" category. I started thumbing through it and there at teh bottom right of page 122 was a category for "Best Day Trip From Farmers Branch"

The article reads: "OK, we know you Famers Branch people are scared - what with the invasion and all - but seriously, Oak Cliff has changed a lot since the last time you heard about it. Completely gentrified. Totally, bland McMansions all around. Sure, you might see a (gasp) Mexican or two, but we can assure you, they all speak perfect English and listen to Clay Aiken. No Tejano music here. Just American Flags and apple pie. So come on down - Insterstate 35, exit Jefferson, roll down the windows and enjoy the view. You'll love it."

For those not familiar with Oak Cliff it is the most crime ridden part of Dallas. The references to the McMansions come from the decent area that is inhabited by notable wealthy citizens just blocks away from the fun down slum that is Oak Cliff. Following the directions one would see bright pink and yellow houses, giant spanish billboards, see mexican and salvidorian flags waving all over and hear nothing but tejano music blaring all around.

Oak Cliff was a boomtown after WWII when the GI's returned and purchased homes with money the gov't gave them. During the boom many mansions were built in the area and it was considered the nicest part of Dallas. Then people began to move to the suburbs and now the area is in ruins; I have friends that live in the area and constantly hear stories about gun fire, drug raids etc...

I had relatives that lived in Oak Cliff in the 40's.

The last time I drove thru the town strip, on Jefferson it was all Hispanic businesses, all Hispanic people and loud Hispanic Music blaring.

That person must not have been in Oak Cliff.

Dixie

the dallas observer sucks

and you can find them online also.
www.dallasobserver.com

Originally Posted by Dixie

I had relatives that lived in Oak Cliff in the 40's.

The last time I drove thru the town strip, on Jefferson it was all Hispanic businesses, all Hispanic people and loud Hispanic Music blaring.

That person must not have been in Oak Cliff.

Dixie

I lived in North Dallas from 1996-98 and passed through Oak Cliff on one occasion. Can we say scarey as hell?