Gentrification vs. revitalization: what's the difference? Does it matter?

Exploring the difference between gentrification and revitalization and the impacts, both seen and unforeseen, has been a topic for many Durham residents lately and for good reason. The Durham Herald Sun has also explored this topic through a series of interesting news stories and have even created a Facebook group where Durham residents are debating this very topic in real time. 

That record numbers of new people move to Durham everyday makes this question even more important. Those that are not impacted by the effects of displacement, unemployment, and lack of access to nutritious food, may also not be aware of the impacts of gentrification.

Get caught up on the discussion here 

Now that you're caught up, I notice how some use the terms gentrification and revitalization interchangeably. Some casually describe the changes occurring in Durham as necessary and beneficial revitalization while others have called it outright gentrification. However, the difference between these two words is actually quite stark. While the Merriam-Webster dictionary defines revitalization generally as giving new life to something, it defines gentrification pointedly and directly as the process of renewal and rebuilding accompanying an influx of middle-class or affluent people into deteriorating areas that often displaces poorer residents.

One thing that struck me in the ongoing discussions is the concept that there were many "rat and roach infested" houses neglected around Durham and thusly, we should all be lucky someone came and developed them and made them pretty again. This argument does not address how that level of dilapidation was even able to take hold or why properties are developed but the people living in these communities are not. That argument also fails to address the idea that we all have choices. Property owners and developers make decisions that are in their best interest with the information that they have. Creating affordable housing and alleviating displacement doesn’t seem to be one.

Now that we know this, the question is not if one is a gentrifier, but what type of gentrifier do you want to be? There is a way to to be a good gentrifier, to the best of your ability. Ironically enough, these ideas also apply to being an overall good person.

1. Recognize that your presence in an area takes away from someone else being there, regardless of how hard you worked, who you knew, how much money saved, how bullied you were as a child, etc. Entitlement is a tough concept to get over, but the reality is, none of us are entitled to anything.

2. Give unheard voices the opportunity to take the floor and be well-intentioned. Sadly, we're in the midst of an intense call out culture where we're quick to relegate mistakes and misunderstandings to poorly intentioned ignorance. As a result, we inflict public chastisement that makes people afraid to ask real questions. When an appropriate opportunity presents itself, provide the space, ask the questions, and listen to the answers. 

3. Do your research. Learn more about cyles of displacement and unequal distribution of wealth. This is not a new discussion. If our understanding of housing and access to resources are grounded in the understanding of this history, then we become better able to engage in productive discussions around hot button topics like equity, affordable housing, and gentrification, to name a few. If not, then we won't be able to progress collectively and many will continue to be left behind.