What does blockbusting aim to achieve?

Blockbusting is a practice that involves inducing property owners to sell their homes at a lower price by promoting fears of racial integration or changes in the neighborhood’s demographics. The goal is to create a sense of panic among homeowners, suggesting that the influx of a particular racial or ethnic group will negatively impact property values or the community's character. This technique exploits anxiety over demographic shifts to encourage sales, allowing real estate agents or developers to purchase properties at depressed prices.

In this context, it is important to understand that while the ultimate effects of blockbusting can lead to more significant community diversity, the method itself is rooted in discrimination and fear-mongering. It does not genuinely support diverse community integration; instead, it manipulates the situation to profit from the homeowners' fears. Therefore, the intent behind blockbusting is to provoke negative reactions and sell properties by playing on racial divides, rather than to foster positive, inclusive community dynamics.