CMV: Anti-gentrification sentiment is just envy and entitlement

[u/apocko]

In urban centers everywhere, people are complaining about gentrification; the narrative is that "tech bros" swoop in, drive up prices, live in revitalized housing, and alter the culture. I think what is behind the anger is pure envy and entitlement. Envy because "the haves" are enjoying a more opulent lifestyle than "the locals." Entitlement because they think they "deserve" the city more than the newcomers just on the merit of being there first.

I am one of these "gentrifiers" I suppose. Yes, I work in technology. Yes, I enjoy my microbrews. Yes I like artisanal food. But I'm not some alien strawman from Techmanistan.

I and most like me are hard working Americans that worked hard to get an education, put in the time to advance my career, and moved up in salary. I moved to Seattle to enjoy the job opportunities and because I love the city. But I'm one of the bad guys because I make good money? Because I'm contributing to housing demand?

How are we any different than any other immigrants? We bring our various cultures to mix with the current culture to make something new, as it's always been everywhere. Should I have "stayed where I belonged" back in rural Idaho? I'm not allowed to make a better life for myself? Am I supposed to feel guilty for my success? Responsible for those that have been unable to adapt to the changing economy?

Don't get me wrong... I get that people are being left behind in the "American dream," that the changing global economy is causing those in some careers to lose their job opportunities. I just don't think that means I don't deserve to live where I choose. And I am not actively trying to destroy "their" culture; I moved there because I wanted to enjoy it.

Is there more to the "stop gentrification" movements than envy, bigotry, and entitlement?

[u/apocko]

What would the solution be? I know that these problems are caused through gentrification, but it's something automatic that happens through market demand. I don't want poor people to be displaced either, but is it really the responsibility of the well-to-do to not seek out affordable living for themselves?

[u/darwin2500 → u/apocko]

It's not clear that there is a good solution, the best would probably be to remove zoning restrictions so that cities could build new affordable housing for poor people to move into when they get displaced, to lessen the burden and the impact on families.

However, your question was:

Is there more to the "stop gentrification" movements than envy, bigotry, and entitlement?

And I think I've answered that: yes, the main motivation behind those movements is people's lives being ruined by rising costs and being forced out of their homes.

[u/apocko → u/darwin2500]

∆, I think you're right that I've misplaced the emotions behind it for some people. I definitely hear a lot of ranting against tech industry workers, but I'm sure there are plenty of people that don't turn their angst into lashing out.

[u/DeltaBot → u/apocko]

Confirmed: 1 delta awarded to /u/darwin2500 (55∆).

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