LES Bridge Mix

… literally.

Yesterday, I posted a blog over at AlterNet (also cross-posted here) that set off a little shitstorm of sorts (comments on AlterNet, gridskipper, ojo caliente, et al). I’d like to take this opportunity to clear a coupla things up here, my ruffled-feathered friends.

1. It seems everyone that called me any kind of names seems to have glossed over the whole section of the blog where I talk about the history of the neighborhood being important to me.

2. Oh, it looks like they also missed where I talk about how I’ve been working and am currently working with both longtime residents and newcomers on a bunch of campaigns fighting hyperdevelopment.

3. Gee whiz, they also missed the part where I list Happiness Deli’s 70-cent cup of coffee as one of the best around, and seem to think I only buy expensive, hipster coffee.

4. Uh-oh, looks like they also missed where I talk about why Starbucks is symbolic in nature.

5. Golly, and they missed the part where I talk about how I only arrived four years ago in the neighborhood, and that I know the gentrification have been happening for like, way longer than that.

6. Oh my, the biggest point of all was missed by the less-hipster-than-thou crowd: that if people will keep the faith and band together with the loads of struggles to preserve this and other neighborhoods, we might actually have a say in how our surroundings evolve.

In any case, kids, read before you rip, alright?

For those that commented on Starbucks’ employment policies — I commented on the AlterNet blog: “On one side, I support Reverend Billy’s efforts to help NYC Starbucks workers organize, but on the other, I have two artist friends whose families rely on Starbucks providing healthcare to part-time employees — unheard of in other low-wage worlds.” I’m not oblivious to this paradox; I admit that I don’t know that much about it. One commenter posted an interesting article I recommend: http://www.arc.org/C_Lines/CLArchive/story7_1_02.html

As far as me being my own one-woman gentrifying machine: I’ve never denied my role as a white-artist-type in the gentrification process. At the same time, I’m not going to let some sense of liberal guilt make me shrug my shoulders and say it’s okay for history to disappear. I’m using what privilege and talent I have to preserve what’s left.

I’m an activist organizer, This what I do. It’s in my blood. So, when shit goes down in my ‘hood, I jump. I’m working with tenant organizers, city council candidates, people from local merchant associations, etc., trying to garner as much support as we can from as many different sources as we can. I’m not whining about Starbucks. I’m pissed about what it represents, I know a bunch of other people are too, and I’m showing people what they can do about it. And there are folks who wanna crucify me for that? I couldn’t think of anything more egocentric and selfish…