Exhibit:

Cohen, Matt. “Whitman-Walker Opens New, Sleek Headquarters On 14th Street.”dcist.com, 5 Jun 2015.

In his piece, Matt Cohen recognizes Whitman-Walker as “D.C.’s leading provider of HIV/AIDS and LGBTQ care and services” and a “pillar” of 14th  Street culture to elaborate upon their expansion to a new location. He then continues to provide background on how the center has been crucial to providing services during the AIDS crisis of the 80’s and 90’s, and how this has contributed to the overall climate of LGBTQ acceptance in DC. Cohen explains that plans for their new facility will include some very appealing new amenities. The question, however, will be concerning their oldest facility, the Elizabeth Taylor Medical Center. Cohen hints at plans to “redevelop” the facility. Uniquely, this would not mean what it usually does, the facility will not be destroyed or replaced. Instead, it may mean housing or other resources for the LGBTQ community.

 

I plan to use this source as an exhibit of why 14th Street NW, represents DC’s progressive and diverse culture, and how it continues to expand. The recognition of the common progress throughout the city is almost more important than the city’s preservation. Only under the circumstances of the city improving economically would Whitman-Walker have had the resources to succeed in their work as a health provider, catalyzing support for LGBTQ rights as time moved forward. Following this progress, we should not forget the negative repercussions that have come with some of the overall changes on 14th Street, NW, and D.C as a whole. This represents one of the most prominent social revolutions that the area has seen since it has begun to improve economically.

 

Exhibit:

Tavernise, Sabrina. “A Population Changes, Uneasily.”nytimes.com, 17 July 2011. 

In her Washington Journal piece published in the New York Times, Tavernise argues that DC is losing its signature African-American community.In other words, she sees that the advent of gentrification has made D.C much nicer to live in, in a lot of ways. As a result, she points out that there have also been some unfortunate consequences including the increase in property values, the driving out of low-income families, tax increases, small businesses closing down, and a loss of the original culture. She does address that there may be more diversity now than ever before. However, the bulk of the changes in the last 20-30 years has not been completely beneficial for large groups of people. On the other hand, she does recognize those who were able to continue to survive and thrive through the circumstances, recognizing the attitude of some local businesses to sell what people “want to buy.” The overall message is that D.C has changed in ways that many greatly resent, but it was the ways in which people have learned to adapt to these changes, and not in the city’s preservation that has driven progress.

This piece provides a more holistic view of the city. This document takes a collection of many diverse viewpoints to create a well-developed wider narrative of the city. This is unique because most of the most current DC literature has some kind of audience to pander to, and as result provides a limited narrative. Applied to 14th Street NW, this relationship of facts and experiences will provide all of the necessary evidence to describe the ‘heart’ of DC narrative as a whole.Tavernise synthesizes a variety of other viewpoints to emphasize this.

Exhibit:

Heller, Christopher. “Have You Seen Michael Horsley’s Photos of a Blighted D.C.? Probably.” washingtoncitypaper.com, 28 August 2013.

In his piece, Christopher Heller provides an overview of the photography work that photographer Michael Horsley had done, specifically during the 80s crack epidemic. The piece begins with describing the corner of 14th and T  in which Horsley himself recalls “johns bought sex” and“I had a knife pulled out” on him while he was sitting “on my stoop”. These are among only a few of the sights during the “District’s toughest years” for the majority of the 1980s and early 1990s. The piece points out that these “pre-gentrification” documents are as popular as they are because they contrast with the modern white middle-class majority that moved into the city. To some, they reflect a sense of comfort and nostalgia, even though they represent some of the worst parts of DCs history.

 

I plan to use this source as primary documentation in the cathartic narrative of the ‘real’ DC. Though these photos do represent a sense of comfort for many of DCs older residents, they are also important in showing how DC has in a way improved. Although through gentrification some groups have been driven out, there was still a much healthier outcome for the quality life and economic prosperity from the most modern standard. This is important to take into account whenever anyone criticizes the modern presentation of DC. Just because the change has had consequences does not mean that DC is any worse-off. In addition, just because DC has improved by our modern standard does not necessarily imply that DC is ‘better’ from a community perspective.

Background:

Lewis Aidan, McKenna, Bill. “Washington DC from murder capital to boomtown.” BBC Magazine, 6 August 2014.

In this piece from the BBC, authors Aidan Lewis and Bill Mckenna seek to present more background on how DC has gone from the “murder capital” of the United States to one of the most desirable “boomtowns” of the United States. In order to add to the historical information, there are also video documents from both former journalist and author of S street rising, Ruben Casteneda, and photographer Michael Horsley. These videos provide a primary source for what DC once was in contrast with what nostalgia made circa 1980s DC appear.  Based on this information, DC has seen in a practical sense a revival. DC is no longer the “murder capital” of the United States, and crime is at a vastly lower rate. In addition, though some argue that there have been some unintended consequences to these changes, DC is economically better off, and much cleaner now.

I plan to use this source as an honest representation of why in a way DC needed to be gentrified in order to allow for it to improve socio-economically. Furthermore, I can use this source to add to the dialogue of what has changed about DC, and if it has a sense of community or an original charm. In conjunction with the the the information on Horsely’s documentation alone, no stone will be left unturned in understanding the whole narrative of 14th street NW, and how it became modern DC.

 

Argument:

Uzodinma, Iweala. “The gentrification of Washington DC: how my city changed its colors.” The Guardian, 13 September 2016.

 

In his article author, Iweala Uzodima provides a deep set of history about the DC area and what it has meant for him as a member of an immigrant family. He adds to the discussion around the city’s change and the racial implications that have been associated with its change. He shares some anecdotes about his experience growing up, about the role of money, racial divides, poverty, and the role of hard work in allowing him and his family to live in DC. Including some general history of DC as a whole, he finally provides the necessary context to enrich his own experience.

I plan to use this source as a primary argument for why it is important to take a look at DCs history and how it has applied to those who live there. In reference to 14th Street, NW this can shine some broader light on what has made the modern city life possible. I can add this to the discussion of whether or not the change has been for the better. Now I may weigh this one individual’s viewpoint in relation to the modern presentation of the city, and DCs history to gain a complete understanding of the complexity that DC holds and why there is no one answer to the question.

Argument:

Fenston, Jacob. “Crack’s Rapid Rise Brought Chaos To D.C.” wamu.org,  27 January 2014.

 

 

In “Crack’s Rapid Rise Brought Chaos To D.C.” Jacob Fenston provides a darker narrative about DC, based on the history of the 80s crack cocaine epidemic. As described, it was a “world…without options”. Everyone seemed to be buying or selling drugs. This piece provides more historical background on how the arrest rates, crime, and property damage had greatly increased; and continued to add to the poverty in the area. In addition, this gets to how police crackdowns were only temporary “band-aids” on “cancer”. In order for DC to reach a time of peace, there had to be an effective change in the form of economic revival and gentrification.

I plan to use this source as a reminder although DC may have undergone some potential racially motivated change, DC was also not in very good shape anyway due to the crack epidemic of the 1980s.This is important to the discussion of how 14th street NW has changed because as Michael Horsley has documented, the DC area as a whole may have been a sense of comfort for residents; it was not a very healthy place to live and very poor.

Exhibit:

“About.” The Hamilton DC.Accessed 27 March 2017.

In this website there is a description of one of the most famous restaurants and music venues in DC; located on 14th, and F NW, named after Alexander Hamilton. The site appears to be catered to a more adult audience, through the appearance of being upscale, featuring some more niche acts. The “About” section of the page reflects this by describing DC with “polish” and “sophistication”. This website wants to emphasize that the modern DC is a place of the most expensive living and quality entertainment.

 

I plan to use this source as a model for what the standard of modern DC culture is. It is commonly understood that DC is currently very expensive to live in especially in Capitol Hill but not everyone seems to think about why. Or whether most of the value of the Hamilton is more on its facade, as most of the upscale locations on 14th seem to reflect. In order for DC to be as nice as it is there is obviously a financial, and socioeconomic reason. However, it appears to represent the narrative of appearances. The more the Hamilton can look expensive, the more business it can attract. In addition to actually being an in the affluent area, many businesses on 14th street NW seem to play to some type of appearance.

 

 

Exhibit:

“10 Distinctly DC Music Venues You Have to Experience.” Washington.org. Accessed 27 March 2017.

In this brochure  “10 Distinctly DC Music Venues You Have to Experience” published on Washington.org, there is a much more well-rounded list of the most popular music venues in DC. It acts as a form of marketing for the DC area and not just 14th street alone. The list especially describes DC as being home to “music legends” as “diverse” as the city itself.  This piece seeks to sell the music and nightlife of the whole city, including both the Hamilton and the Black Cat that are both on 14th Street NW. The photos show people having a good time, in some of the most aesthetically alluring places, and appear to be homogenous, perhaps saying something about the role of appearances and DC culture.

I plan to use this source as a reference for how modern 14th Street NW, DC compares with the rest of DC in the way that it is marketed, and how DC has changed over the years. I feel that this source is very effective in presenting the best parts of modern DC and does a great job representing local businesses as the life of DC, by showing the most successful of local businesses. However, this is only a small view of what DC is and does not provide all of the historical information required to present a holistic representation of DC culture is as a whole.

 

 

 

Exhibit:

“ 20+ Places to Eat, Shop, and Play on 14th Street.” Washington.org. Accessed 24 February 2017.

In this brochure, there is a brief but detailed description of the types of restaurants and other attractions on 14th Street that emphasize an appeal to the younger audience. It argues that the restaurant, bar and other businesses listed collectively are the epitome of DC culture.In other words, there is a focus on “swank” upscale seafood,Belgian cuisine, refurbished cafes, breweries and the sleek and rustic atmosphere. The purpose of the modern rhetoric reflected in this piece appears to emphasize an appeal to the audience through aesthetics, more than substance; but effective use of language also plays as much of a role as it ever has. The photos in this source are very bright, and the captions are brief.This seems to be a reflection of how little reading the modern culture wants to do before making a decision, rather they prefer to rely on imagery. This is very reflective of the internet age. In addition, many of the photos seemed to be up-close pictures of the food. This is a blatant marketing strategy.The intention of some of the restaurants was showing off their “modern” culture, while others showed pictures of the types of people that attended these places.

 

This source is a very useful for exhibiting the values of DC marketing, and its role in presenting the life of the city. In this day and age, aesthetics are everything. However, I would like to look into how this contrasts with the point of view of those who have lived in DC for a long time. The flashy appeal of the city’s brochure may present 14th Street in a positive light but may provide as much of the skepticism that modern DC deserves.  There is a level of complexity to DC. I would like to know more about how this rosy presentation of DC compares or contrasts with the views of those who are fortunate enough to live on 14th today, and those who have seen the city change.

Argument:

Milloy, Courtland. “Yes, 14th Street may be better these days, but something vital is missing.” Washington Post, 21 July 2015.

 

In his nostalgic piece  “Yes, 14th Street may be better these bays, but something vital is missing”Washington Post, published July 21st, Courtland Milloy states that 14th Street may be full of life, in the sense that it has become more tourist friendly and certainly appeals to the modern audience.However, he feels that there has been a loss in the sense of community, that it once had. He believes that the local, majority black community of the 80’s was once the life of the city, and though it may be more modern now; the charm of the less gentrified,  urban mood of past changed, and not necessarily for the better. He believes that those who have occupied the area more recently reflect an air of “aloofness”, “oblivious” to who he feels created the place we now know as modern DC.

I plan to use Milloy’s argument in the dialogue around how 14th street has reflected DC’s change.  His point of view is a clear example of nostalgia and does not tell the whole story. Based on common knowledge about the crack epidemic in the 80s, DC may have been a place of comfort for those who lived in the area. However, there is plenty of documentation to show that racial or not, 14th and most of DC were unpleasant to live by ‘normal’ standards.  Gentrification may have been an annoyance for those who have lived in DC around the time of the crack epidemic, and nostalgia is obviously a natural feeling; DC, in fact, was not as great by our standard as Milloy makes it out to be. This is crucial in understanding why DC has changed, and how it has affected different individual groups, as well as how this has been reflected in 14th street’s current presentation.