2021-08-21
There are imaginary lines that define the ways we live—the people we can vote for, the laws we live under, and what groups we can be a part of. What happens when these lines that constrict us divide the communities they are meant to uplift?
Every 10 years the census occurs, telling us who is where. It is upon the census data being released that politicians in each state are able to decide where to draw these divisive lines to create the districts they will be running in. They do not have free rein, however. Rules guide the ways they draw lines:
"Communities of interest" as an idea, to all of us residing in these districts, is a reasonable request. We begin to think of our church communities, the networks created among other refugees, our local PTA. However, communities of interest are not defined by those who created the rules, leaving the individuals drawing lines unsure of what should be called a "community." The Supreme Court has brought it up in court cases, but each time has failed to define the term itself. Because it is so loose, it is up to interpretation. This can be dangerous, since this concept becomes subject to an individual's perception.
How do we begin to define communities of interest? It is not up to us, as researchers or residents of a district, but we can instead question the extent of what communities can be, and attempt to shape the boundaries around those we are actually trying to protect.