Gentrification refers to the restoration of run-down urban regions by the middle class causing a displacement of the low income residents. While some of the indigenous residents of these cities find it hard to cope with the changing standards of living in the cities, the middle class who are not necessarily from around get to occupy the areas formerly occupied by the low income residents. This has had major impacts in the cities politically, socially, economically, as well as culturally. The presentation, therefore, looks at instances where gentrification has taken place in the two reading texts and the effects of the same to the concerned cities.
It is evident that the incoming middle class are faced with different responses from the indigenous residents as well as their neighbors. How then do they deal with the challenges facing them in this new land? Secondly the presentation focusses on the changes that the new group of the middle class brings to the cities. The presentation further analyses the authors’ goals in their writing. The low income residents who get replaced by the middle class often have lived in the cities for a considerably long time. It, therefore, implies that their displacement causes them to start up life in a completely new area. Before they adapt to the new environment and interact with their neighbors it takes them a lot of time. The situation is not much different for the incoming middle class as they have to also take time to create a rapport with their neighbors and adapt to the new way of life in the cities. Additionally, most of the people they get close to are from different regions while some are immigrants resulting to cosmopolitanism in the cities. This and more is discussed in the slides.
Gentrification is a common phenomenon not only in Seattle and Columbia Cities but also in other cities across the world. As a matter of fact, little has been done in a bid to fight the issue. This is because it has not been regarded as a problem despite the challenge it poses to the society. Cultures are eroded, commercial systems changed, hatred between the middle class and the low class increasing and more detrimental effects arise as a result of gentrification.
Moreover, the people displaced by the middle class harbor bitterness in their hearts and will never come at peace with these people. Eventually, the society is filled with hatred, and as much as the middle and the upper class would bring economic development in the cities, socially the societal unity and accord is slowly dying. While governments and local administration may not find a big deal in the issue, the fact is indelible on the disadvantages that gentrification brings into the society. Consequently, giving a blind eye to this issue is like harboring a poisonous snake which will one day bite you. However, human beings have the tendency to act when prompted by the negative effects of an issue. Should we wait till the bitterness and hatred between the low income residents and the middle class blows out of proportion to realize the gravity of the matter? The answer is definitely no. Something ought to be done to salvage the situation. It is said that prevention is better than cure. As for the matter at hand, the bull has to be held by the horns in this fight if at all gentrification is to be effectively controlled.
