Gentrification

Seattle, and many other urban centers, are experiencing high levels of gentrification as the number of people who want to live in the urban center, a previously undesirable area, increases. Areas that were economically depressed after the suburbanization of the 20th century are becoming more and more appealing to younger generations, leading to the rehabilitation of these areas to accommodate the new demand. The gentrification of areas turns previously destitute and low-economic areas that accommodate to low income households create new, vibrate areas of the city, while pushing families out that can no longer afford the area.

To many young people, including many of my friends, gentrification seems like a good thing; areas of the city that previous were left destitute are transformed into newer, vibrant areas with new options for exploring and things to do. However, the process of gentrification devastates many families and forces people to leave areas that were previously affordable.

Gentrification relates to the program in Berlin because it is a city that has gone through vast transformation, and continues to go through transportations daily. There are many different neighborhoods in Berlin, including some for lower-income families, which sometimes include a high population density of immigrants. As neighborhoods are transformed, many people are left without a place to live and less economic opportunities. This can affect community ties, family relationships and entire livelihoods, and usually affects those that have the least to begin with. Another issue with gentrification, and especially its concentrated affects on those who are most objectified or impoverished in society is that they cannot receive accurate representation and resources to fight for their rights in a country. And, in the case of immigrants, they may not even have access or claim to legal rights in a nation, and therefore cannot fit back against things like land seizer and eminent domain claims to their land.