More than 30 years of conflict have fractured the physical face of Belfast and divided its citizens in the most fundamental ways.
What was once recognisably a single unit has imploded into a series of hostile territories: streets have become boundaries; in some cases, houses have become fortresses. The scourge of sectarianism is all too evidently alive, with children abused on their way to school and families attacked in their homes. This is the city in which people were "disappeared" or gunned down by their own neighbours. Many thought it could witness no additional wrongs. But another unpleasant element has been added to the mix - racism.
Belfast's small ethnic community has been subjected to a series of recent attacks, predominately but not exclusively in loyalist areas. The latest statistics from the Housing Executive suggest that some 30 families have had to move home because of racist attacks or intimidation in the past 12 months alone.
The problem is concentrated in, but not confined to, Belfast. The victims have included Chinese, Pakistani, Filipino and Ugandan families and individuals.
Northern Ireland's ethnic community poses no threat to anyone. In common with most other immigrants on the island of Ireland, their primary objective is to better their circumstances and those of their children, to contribute to the place they now call "home".
That the racists are a vicious, unenlightened minority will do little to comfort the injured and the terrified. However, the silent majority - Catholic, Protestant and Dissenter - can offer them solace by making their voices heard in support of the efforts of trades unions, politicians and church leaders to fight racism.
Early indications suggest that growing public awareness is resulting in a reduction in the incidence of attacks. This awareness brought up to 2,000 people onto the streets of Belfast on Tuesday as they sought to show themselves in a truer light than that cast by bigots and paramilitaries.
Among the speakers addressing the rally was the SDLP Lord Mayor, Cllr Martin Morgan, who characterised racist and sectarian attacks as equal scourges in society. He challenged all political and community leaders, people with influence and "every man and woman" to speak out against such violence.
By responding to that challenge, a city so often associated with intolerance can strike a blow against its latest incarnation. In doing so, it can draw on the heritage of past generations who saw concern for neighbours as an intrinsic part of life.