Reading Response 10/5
In The Atlantic article by Saki Knafo, he discusses the relationship between gentrification and human rights. Right to the City, a “national alliance of community based organizations”, sees gentrification as a human-rights violation. The cry for human rights began following World War II. However, it wasn’t until 20 years later that the term gentrification became to be.
I find the notion that gentrification is a human-rights violation hard to articulate. This idea is not black and white. We live in a capitalistic society where the world runs on money, so those in power, tend to use this to their advantage. It’s crazy to see landlords sell out to investors who many times want to flip an apartment building. These buildings are given a facelift with new amenities and furnishings. But before they do that, they raise the rent which more times than not, displaces current tenants who have nowhere to go. Renovating buildings can also hinder a neighborhood’s sense of community. A decentralization from the community is often seen when gentrifiers move into a neighborhood that has established its relationships over the decades. One would hope that any newcomer would want to dive right into a thriving community, rather than break it apart. When I moved to Alphabet City, in August, it was important for me to be friendly and helpful in times of need to my neighbors and also create a relationship with the businesses that surround my apartment. Not only does it make me feel more comfortable by my surroundings, but it creates a level of trust and a connection with those around me.
The concept of Co-living spaces discussed in The New Yorker article, brought up a lot of questions. The whole idea behind it is very current, for many young people are taking longer to settle down and get married or buy a home. However, it seems to create a forced sense of community, but perhaps it’s more of a current twist on a kibbutz or a commune. The article talked about how the co-living startups inhabited vacant multifamily buildings, but how would they be so easily obtainable? Although, there are plenty of benefits to this style of living, such as community building, minimalistic qualities and furnished amenities, the apartments are quite expensive for current residents in the neighborhoods.
