Let it not be said that FPR indiscriminately supports “localism.” I believe that all my compatriots here would agree that this is one “locality” that cannot be defended. Maybe that’s because it’s the sort of “locality” that no one has grown up, or grown old in.
Or maybe because there’s nothing “local” about it.
“The Starbucks, or the Starbucks, or the Starbucks…” 🙂
I grew up in Arlington. And my parents are growing old there now in the house they’ve lived in for over 40 years.
Matt,
As I posted this I thought I might have to make explicit that I was talking about the gentrified Arlington portrayed in the video, but concluded that people would get that. I guess I was wrong.
This rap is so true. Interestingly, most of the areas portrayed in this rap have only be built up in the last 40 years or so. There definitely are more traditional neighborhood-like areas in Arlington. They just are off the main drags.
What I find interesting about this video is that the authors clearly recognize that there is something worth mocking about this lifestyle. I wonder if that was a conscious motivation or if they just thought it was hilarious, which it is.
Patrick,
I get that it’s the redeveloped portion of Arlington that these guys are poking fun at, but it wasn’t clear from your comment that you knew there was more to Arlington than just that piece, so that’s why I said something.
I actually like the redeveloped part of Arlington (I wouldn’t say “gentrified,” because it was created more by adding population through higher density rather than pushing people out). It’s brought in a lot of younger people and made Arlington a more vibrant place. But it also has empty nesters and retirees. One of my elderly neighbors spent the last few years of her life in one of those high-rises.
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