The Charm in “Slight Disrepair”
For a person who finds bustling streets overwhelming and is adamantly opposed to gentrification, I find charm in slight disrepair. The large concrete blocks placed haphazardly in front of the tunnel, the free flowing weeds, and single-level parking garage convey this street block is not being currently updated by Olympia’s latest and greatest “downtown strategy plan”. To my aunt, an Olympia local who staunchly believes in increasing “downtown density” and usability, this block would surely be an eyesore, or worse, an tantrum-starter. I personally do not mind. If every block is filled with yuppie businesses, where can poor people go? If you cannot afford the $36 dollar paper lanterns and high-priced gluten free meals, then you’re shit out of luck, and you better get off that sidewalk.
Okay, I think that you have great strength in your words and the way you approach different matters. For this specific post, I really like how you made a deeper personal connection about how your aunt would feel about this place, shows that you take others’ opinions into consideration. Then, I like how you took your own approach, a very realistic and blunt one. Overall, I think you are doing freaking awesome and I look forward to your future posts.
woop woop woogity
This post is full of charm and sass, and definitely brought to mind the very powerful juxtaposition of super-pricey food against the backdrop of those living hand-to-mouth or otherwise more humbly, and taking pride in the lack of gentrification. I think your images reflect accurately the message you’re trying to portray. Perhaps it would be lovely to see more color in them (or perhaps warmer colors, which tend to give off a cozy “vintage” vibe?)
Great research and attitude. :)