Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Blog Discussion #1
Early on in the semester it is worthwhile to consider your reactions to what you are learning about OTR. What issues in OTR do you find most intriguing to explore and why? As a class, what do we have to gain through our future inquiries into OTR? Who might directly benefit from our work in the neighborhood? Keep in mind that any of your responses to these questions are bound to be tentative and open to revision. Indeed, there remains a lot of learning to do. However, as a class, it is still good to do an inventory of our various perspectives in preparation for any class project we decide to initiate in the future. Please post a 50-100 word comment. In addition to posting your own 50-100 word comment, we encourage you to post any additional comments you might have to what others in class might say.
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Personally, I find the development of OTR to be most intriguing. Before the class, I had no idea any of that was going on, much less to what extent it was impacting current residents. It's these current residents that will benefit from our work, since I think we're all pretty much for helping them out through our writing.
ReplyDeleteAs for what we will gain -- there's no telling. I have the corny answer of connection with new people and a better understanding of the world.
I also think that the development component of OTR is very interesting as well. It makes me realize there is so much still I need to learn on both the social side of things as well as the economic side of things. My question to you now is how can we as students address to the people how others are being affected? Any ideas as far as how to convey this message through our writings? How can we use the concept of Kairos?
DeleteI believe many of us are very interested in trying to understand who, exactly, the decisions for improvement in OTR are set to benefit. My initial impression is that, through improvement, the current residents and actual community members of OTR are being left behind and shoved assigned for newer, wealthier residents. How concerned about the actual residents are those working to improve the area?
ReplyDeleteI think the residents and perhaps the business owners in the OTR area can benefit from the type of work we'll be doing. If more support for locals is gained, the organizations focused on commercialization and high class economics may pay a bit more attention to the people who actually live there.
As a class, I think we all have the potential to (prepare yourself for a cliche) learn a lot about ourselves and what we'd like to do with our lives. It only took one class last semester to guide me in the direction of non-profit, activism work. Now I'm actually inside the community, working hand-on with its members. That's bound to change a person's viewpoint and passions in some way.
I completely agree with you, however, the people making the dynamic changes (3CDC) are thinking long term with the creation of newer, nicer buildings. I think it is important to make sure both tourists and current residents see eye-to-eye.
Delete"Tourists" might be the wrong word to use. 3CDC is trying to get people to move down here and become residents. I feel like as time passes the lines between current and new residents might blur, which will force us to stop viewing the situation as an "Us vs. Them" problem.
DeleteThe new residents won't be absorbed into the current OTR community, they'll form their own. As time passes more of the current residents and social organization will be either pushed or struggling to prosper among the new developments-- like the Anna Louise Inn. I think this will aggravate rather then blur the lines of "Us vs. Them"
DeleteI haven't spent a lot of time in OTR in the past, but participating in this class has made me question my overall feelings about the place. It comes down to this- this is the city I live in and will always identify with as my home. This is our city; why should anyone feel uncomfortable, closed off or out of place in an area they identify with as home. There is so much built into the stigma the place carries; it seems a heavy burden. Discovering the efforts of those working behind the scenes within the community who are trying to make change is encouraging. Perhaps the burden is being lifted somewhat by these folks. It should remain OUR place though, to whom ever can call it so, in whatever capacity.
DeleteOTR is a very different place then what I thought. I have and interest in where are the residence that are forced to leave OTR are going. It seems unusual, but these people cannot just disappear they have to have a home somewhere. Where could these people be going and are their homes long term or just something for a short time. I personally think the residents would benefit from our work. Having some knowledge of the neighborhood would help us to address problems that arise in the future.
ReplyDeleteI like the question you posed about where are the people of this community going that are being forced to leave. I think that is an important question that we can bring to the surface through our writing.
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ReplyDeleteSince I’ve arrived in OTR I have found it interesting to consider the overlaps that occur among various issues relevant to OTR. For example, there are connections between the issues of redevelopment, homelessness, and discrimination.
ReplyDeleteI think it would also be worthwhile to examine issues in a cause/effect sort of way. I have begun to realize that the issues we are seeing in OTR are not caused by fate but instead are the result of many conscious decisions made by various people over time. Because of this, it is possible to find the root of the problems of OTR and consider possible solutions as well.
Our class has the opportunity to learn how to be more effective writers/designers in terms of helping others understand issues more clearly. By doing so, we could help make discussions of OTR less one-sided.
As I have stated many times, this semester marks my first experiences with OTR. Just before the semester started, my manager at Kona Ice told me that they had a partnership to send a Kona truck out to Washington Park when it was newly renovated to make it more enticing, but still people did not come out to the park and Kona Ice withdrew their participation. That being said, I find myself standing up for OTR very often. Whenever I tell someone I have class in OTR they always reply with "be careful," "lock your doors," or the classic, "ah Over-The-Rhine, you'll be left without rims in no time." I strive to emphasize that, from my understanding, OTR has come a long way and it isn't what people think anymore. Therefore, I find it important to not only continue the exploration into the lives of the current OTR residents but to further expand our knowledge of outsider's perspectives looking in.
ReplyDeleteI think most people in our class can relate to hearing that OTR is an unsafe place (whether they're from around here or not.) I also agree with wanting to stand up for the neighborhood when seeing or hearing these things. I wish I could post an image, because there is a picture I've seen a few facebook "friends" share that is relevant (screencaps from The Lion King, Simba's father describing the shadow-y area as OTR, "you must never go there.") I guess it just amazes me that there is such a fear of a whole neighborhood, and that also people find it so humorous?
DeleteI'm really excited to do our interview because so far we haven't gotten to speak with any long time residents about their experiences and how they feel about the stereotype of OTR.
The two responses that I usually get when I tell people about Over-the-Rhine is that it is a scary neighborhood and it is up-and-coming, which tells two different stories about this place. The thing about OTR that strikes me is how close developed areas are with the undeveloped. One street is shiny and new and the next street has broken windows and peeling paint. When I first moved in, I was very intimidated by the look of the undeveloped place, and I tried to avoid them. Now, still being careful, I am able to walk the streets and get a clear view of exactly what is going on in OTR. I am exited to hear a life-long resident tell his or her stories of these streets. I want to know how they feel about their community and the current development.
DeleteI think most of us here would agree that we all thought we knew Over-The-Rhine by word of mouth and what little the media shows us about the area but have truly gotten to know the real OTR just the past few weeks thanks to this class. I think there is a lot of issues that are interesting to explore from everything to why the media just displays negative stories, to city hall and the positive outcomes from small businesses in OTR. I had no idea all these projects were under way in OTR until this class, I mean we have all heard about The Banks project, Great American Tower, Horseshoe Casino and the various upgrades the Reds and Bengals stadiums have received.
ReplyDeleteA question I would more like to look into is what effect is the streetcars going to have on OTR? I don't know what the route is but I assume OTR is covered in the plans? I think anyone in Cincinnati, not just OTR would benefit from us making a positive change and helping the neighborhood. OTR and Cincinnati are losing small businesses and money because people outside the city feel unsafe, hence it is killing our local economy and our city life and damages the quality of life in Cincinnati.
So far, I have learned a lot! What I find most interesting and intriguing about what is going on in the neighborhood is how there is not a lot of coexisting going on. By that I mean that there is no true bridging of the gap between those who are upper middle class and lower class. A person is a person, they are not defined by their pay check. I find it strange that there are not many options for people who are on a fixed income as far as a grocery store or a local laundry mat. Simple things that many of us take for granted are out of their reach to a degree. From this, I think that those that are on a fixed income will greatly benefit from the work that we will be doing in this class. I also see people who are unaware of the issues in the neighborhood becoming aware of what is going on, outside of what they are informed of on the news.
ReplyDeleteThis semester, I am most excited to explore real life issues of people who live in Over the Rhine; engaging with community activists and residents of the neighborhood. As a class, I feel we can gain valuable knowledge and insight by just sitting and listening to others share their stories. Overall, I believe that through the power of our writings, our class can contribute to the ongoing efforts of promoting a more just and democratic society; making our stamp on OTR.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was first introduced to OTR, I was struck by the injustice that occurs there. I feel that I had been blind to the issues of social injustice and poverty that lay just 20 minutes away from my house. As I explored the history of Over The Rhine, I was struck by the fact that the voices of the residents of OTR were not and are not being heard. I believe that by exploring these topics further, more people will be made aware of the injustice that these residents face and something will be done about it.
ReplyDeleteOne of the major issues about OTR and its continued redevelopment that I would like to delve into is the availability information the residents have about the physical changes, federal grant programs, and historical building codes. I feel that this information is not as accessible as it should be, and the same could be said about 3CDC's knowledge and opinions about the community that has been here for decades. As a class, I am really looking forward to the oral interviews, and I hope I am able to phrase my questions well so that these stories can be kept alive for generations to come. I think these oral histories will benefit those on the inside and the outside of the community.
ReplyDeleteI decided to focus on just one question of the posed responses. Who stands to gain from our interactions in Over the Rhine? I, so far, believe its the people. During my time at the Drop Inn Center so far, I've had the opportunity to meet several of the OTR Citizens. And each one that I meet, seems genuinely surprised as well as glad that we are down here as a cohort. I think that gladness that we're here, will only grow further as we meet more and interact more with the people of this neighborhood.
ReplyDeleteI continue to be most interested in exploring the untold histories in Over-The-Rhine. I'm interested in celebrating the aspects of African American and Appalachian culture that are often overlooked in this neighborhood. To me, writing is this powerful thing that can help us identify with other groups on a personal level. I'm excited to record oral histories because each person has a story that is valuable. The more I learn about underlying issues in this neighborhood that are these universal, big things, the more I feel that building empathy, respect, and pride for others is deeply important. It's important here and now, but also overall as a society. I think all parties that are part of the changes happening in Over-The-Rhine could benefit from connecting to other's perspectives, struggles, and stories. We should celebrate a complete history, not just parts.
ReplyDeleteWhen I think about community, I think about relationships among neighbors and the role of family within it. The connections formed among the people are what build and strengthen business, support public programs, encourage participation in local government, foster the establishment and achievement of common goals, as well as develop a base for community outreach. It is then up to the community, with its citizens participating in decision making by voting, to utilize their established connections at the family and broader community levels to make the changes to their own community as they see fit. To have these changes brought about by an outside force doesn’t mean much, I imagine. In fact, it seems that such outside involvement goes a long way in weakening a community. In the case of OTR, the swift overhaul and expansive redevelopment efforts, while beautiful, have negated years of developmental engagement and emotional bonds constructed by families and community members. And what are these community members left with? It stands to reason that OTR was never ‘broken’ to begin with.
ReplyDeleteOne question that needs to be answered is, who is benefitting from our work in Over the Rhine? Some of us are working directly with the community, doing hands on short term work. These people get to see first hand how the community members are benefitting from our work. There are also those of us who are working indirectly with the community, more of the behind the scenes grunt work. One important thing that we discussed in Jenn's service learning class was that we are only here for 16 weeks, which is a very short amount of time to build relationships with neighbors. As students it is very easy for us to see how we are benefitting from our classes and volunteer work in this community but it is harder for us to see how our work is actually benefitting the community during this short period of time. This point seems as though our work is not fairly balanced so my question is how can we make sure that the community is actually benefitting the most from our presence.
ReplyDeleteHONESTLY, THE MOST INTRIGUING ISSUES IN OVER THE RHINE ARE THE LACK OF KNOWLEDGE PEOPLE
ReplyDeleteON THE OUTSIDE HAVE ABOUT THE TRUE PROBLEM THAT PLAGUE THE COMMUNITY. GENERALLY
LOOKING FROM THE OUTSIDE IN THE MEDIA DROVE ALL OF MY AND EVERYONE ELSES PERCEPTION
OF OVER THE RHINE, IT WAS COMMON TO SEE THIS COMMUNITY AS SELF DESTRUCTIVE AND ON A CONTINUAL SPIRAL DOWN. I DONT KNOW HOW OTRCH WILL HANDLE LETTING OUTSIDERS WITH SET IN STONE IDEAS OF OTR KNOW THAT REDEVELOPMENT IS NOT THE ONLY HELP THAT IS NEEDED.
When I signed up for this I wasn't sure exactly what we would be doing. I love doing community work and even though we may not be out in OTR doing typical community work, we are still helping the community through writing. That draws a great interest to me. I believe we can make a change in the community. We can spread the word through writing on exactly what is going on. Considering many people, including myself before, view OTR negatively and stray away from it. I'm excited to get hands on in this class and not only learn from each other, but learn from the community.
ReplyDeleteThe issue I am most interested to explore is where people from Over-The-Rhine move when they leave the neighborhood, forcefully and by choice. Based on one of the readings, it claimed that since the development of the area began, crime rates have dropped. I want to know if the crime has moved with the people that have left OTR or if it has decreased as a whole.
ReplyDeleteAs a class, we will gain an understanding of why things have happened the way they did. We will be able to appreciate what has gone on, not only from lectures and readings, but first hand. If we attempt to understand both sides of the story we may even be able to come up with a new way or compromise. We will then be able to apply this investigation to other similar circumstances.
I'm hoping that everyone will be able to benefit from our work in the neighborhood. This means the people who live here, the people we go to school with and even our families will be able to relate in some way. I can't promise change, but I can say that more understanding is already happeneing.
Being here for a few weeks, I keep hearing a "diverse and mixed-income" as the future of OTR, from both OTRCH and 3CDC. I'm interested to see if that is possible. As for who is benefitting from our work in OTR, I have yet to decide. Some of us are leaving physical evidence of their time here that will benefit the community in the long run and others are doing as directed and building upon what was laid out by others before us and continued on after our 16 weeks are over. With either case I hope that this program will end up mutually beneficial to both the students and the community, which so far it has shaped out to be.
ReplyDeleteOver-The-Rhine’s most compelling avenue of inquiry for me is the issue of equal development among economic classes. I am interested in urban planning and architectural development, and OTR is such an interesting case for the future of Midwest cities. Issues tackled here are not necessarily isolated incidents, and I am interested in cross-comparisons between Midwestern cities, as well as international comparisons. I am interested in learning as much as I can and bringing lessons back to my home city of St. Louis. Future inquiries and discussions will lead me to different topics and more questions that I may not have formulated on my own. Discussion helps bring about a more holistic understanding of a subject, and I feel that that can lead to helping situations in multiple cities.
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