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mustang__1 t1_je0pj5n wrote

Reply to comment by outerspace29 in Student, 15, shot and killed blocks from Simon Gratz High School in Nicetown, police say by JBizznass

What does investment and development in areas like that look like? Because that sounds like gentrification which pushes people out because the people living there probably won't get "better jobs", at best there might be more local jobs - but I don't think there is a general lack of jobs in the city overall, menial or otherwise. Fundamentally.... Im coarse and would rather see the development and remove the blight and hope the people either find a better job or a new place to live.

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crispydukes t1_je0ub4k wrote

Part of the trouble is capitalism as it currently exists. If these areas are "improved," the jobs going in will still mostly be blue-collar/service jobs with limited wages and advancement opportunities. We're not suddenly going to build lawyers and doctors. The desperation that comes from current-age capitalism will still exist. Selling drugs or resorting to other crime may still pay better than the jobs that come from development. You've improved the neighborhoods, great, but even with solidly middle-class incomes, will there be enough local demand for goods and services to sustain the local businesses?

The solution will likely need to be mixed income residential (which is seemingly impossible to achieve organically) or dense commercial that is a cross-city attraction (East Passyunk, Fairmount, Fishtown, etc.).

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mustang__1 t1_je1nqwt wrote

It's not capitalism's fault that there's a cultural anti-education mindset, Uncle Tom, etc. This mindset greatly reduces the opportunities afforded to you when you become an adult. Illegal activities are, in and of themselves, a form of capitalism........ and will never be less profitable than actually abiding by the laws of society - at least in the short term. Capital, social, commune, or otherwise... Crime is hard to beat for short term gain.

If Nicetown/K&A/Germantown, etc, ever become like Passyunk - to attract people from around the city.... what percentage of the current residents do you think would be able to afford to remain?

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