When we say an area is “nice” what do we mean?
Do we mean there were no poor people?
Do we mean the buildings look visually pleasant?
Do we mean the stores are fancy and expensive?
Do we mean there is a lot of greenery?
Do we mean the people in the area are wearing nice clothes?
In short, when we say an area is “nice” how inclusive are said areas?
Why are communities so split across lines of income and race? I think spaces can play a role in bridging the massive gaps between people in our society. But the spaces, the programming and the marketing must all be done intentionally. With a focus on inclusion, representation and belonging, community spaces must again become property of the whole community. Not just the poor, or just the rich.
The value is in the mixing, the empathy, the exposure, the social capital and the understanding across racial and socioeconomic lines. How can spaces and events facilitate a much-needed meeting of people? And how can all people have the pleasure of enjoying “nice” spaces, however they may define them?