LINES OF THE DAY

". . . But the past does not exist independently from the present. Indeed, the past is only past because there is a present, just as I can point to something over there only because I am here. But nothing is inherently over there or here. In that sense, the past has no content. The past -- or more accurately, pastness -- is a position. Thus, in no way can we identify the past as past." p. 15

". . . But we may want to keep in mind that deeds and words are not as distinguishable as often we presume. History does not belong only to its narrators, professional or amateur. While some of us debate what history is or was, others take it into their own hands." p. 153

Silencing the Past: Power and the Production of History (1995) by Michel-Rolph Trouillot

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Harlem: What's Goin' On - Our Town or Their Town?

I've been following this one for a while now.

Complete story here -- worth reading; a veracious picture of what gentrification is. A luxury co-op went up on Marcus Garvey Park, and the young, wealthy residents are having fits about the 30 + year West African drumming circle that has met there every Saturday. Note, They have even changed the name of the park.

[ And so in this corner of Harlem, which is known as Mount Morris Park, two sides have formed, each with complaints that many agree are legitimate. The stalemate has bubbled over into a dispute about class, race and culture and has become a flash point in the debate over gentrification.

It is the talk of the neighborhood, and even beyond. The conflict received news media attention, but since then it has taken a darker turn: A racist e-mail message was circulated among residents advocating violence against the musicians, and the New Black Panther Party, which espouses anti-white ideals, has marched in support of the drummers
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1 comment:

K. said...

Here's what I never understand about this kind of thing. Everyone knew the drumming circle was there when they bought their place, right? So where's the beef? Me, I'd see the drumming circle as reason to live in the area.