The Collyer Bros. Reclusive weirdos or collateral damage of white

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>After their mother's death, the Collyer brothers continued to live together in the Harlem brownstone they inherited. For the next four years, the brothers socialized with others and left their home on a regular basis. Homer continued to practice law while Langley worked as a piano dealer.[14] Both also taught Sunday school at the Trinity Church.[15] In 1933, Homer lost his eyesight due to hemorrhages in the back of his eyes. Langley quit his job to care for his brother and the two began to withdraw from society.[14] As time progressed, the brothers became fearful due to changes in the neighborhood; the largely upper-class area changed dramatically due to the economic effects of the Great Depression. The brothers were also uncomfortable with the shift in racial demographics, as more African Americans moved into the once empty apartment houses that were built near a projected subway route.[16][17] When later asked why the two chose to shut themselves off from the world, Langley Collyer replied, "We don't want to be niggered."[18]