The War Zone’s inhabitants are very similar to the people of “nicer” areas they are people who are just trying to better themselves. Even though people characterize The War Zone’s residents by the events that take place there, those events do not define who they are. Thus, people categorize and even stereotype these families. Most of the families in the War Zone are minorities with a low socio-economic status. Most importantly, many people there have a similar identity. This is not only because they live in the same area, but because they can all relate to each other as they are all living in the same conditions and many are going through the same problems. However, there is much more to The War Zone than just violence and crime, and at times, it has something that not all neighborhoods have (a sense of community).

This reputation comes from a long history of drug, gang, and crime problems that has existed throughout its past. “However, there is much more to The War Zone than just violence and crime, and at times, it has something that not all neighborhoods have (a sense of community).” The War Zone has always been considered “ghetto” or “dangerous”. We only consider the belief of the place and not the reality of it. As a result of the many characteristics that The War Zone has, it is often perceived in a negative way, when in reality, The War Zone does not differ that much from the rest of the city. Located in South East Albuquerque between the Foothills and Nob Hill, it is home to one of the most diverse communities in the city. One area considered “bad” by many in Albuquerque (New Mexico’s largest city) is The War Zone. Those neighborhoods we sometimes drive through that prompt us to immediately lock our doors.

Photo by Judith Shaw We all have them, those areas in our cities or towns deemed “rough” or “dangerous” by many.

Albuquerque war zone