Gentrification. What is it? The definition, as I have learned today, has many layers. This term describes how minority populations are often pushed out of their native neighborhoods and forced to surrender their home to the majority population. Even more disturbing, it describes how the majority systematically diminishes the minority’s culture as if it never existed. Buildings are renovated, stores and restaurants are converted into chain businesses, and all other trace of the community’s culture is erased.
I think what struck me most today during our Puerto Rican excursion was the fact that this community literally had to “mark their territory” in 1995 with two 30-ton steel and cement flag poles. Our tour guide, Eduardo, explained that the structure of the flagpoles was very deliberate and intentional to signal to others that they were there to stay. Both the flagpole and flag were built to each weigh ten tons and extend to over 5o feet. To support such a large structure, there are ten tons of cement and steel support underground. Think about that. Thirty TONS. Is that what is takes to stop majority populations from invading the minority’s space? While the flag structures serve as proud reminders of their history and culture it is frustrating to think that they literally had to “mark their territory.”
Gentrification. What can we do about it? As Eduardo proposed, we can begin by working from the inside out. In order to preserve the Puerto Rican culture it is important to work within the community and serve as a continuous inspiration to the next generation and to inspire them to do the same. Hopefully with Eduardo’s effort and the efforts from others within the community the Puerto Rican community can be preserved for decades to come.
Meg Smith