That’s a great article. I would have liked to see more specific policy suggestions for the UdeM development and it how it impacts Parc-Ex specifically, but the global argument is very clear.
There’s a great argument in this piece about the inherent unsustainability of growth-based capitalism, but it falls apart when it attempts to wade into cultural criticism in its critique of gentrification and urban development. It relies on too many empty buzzwords (what even is a hipster?) and straw-man arguments.
“Urban hipsters are quick to dismiss poorer classes as having no ‘green consciousness’ (…) They also tend to turn their backs on working-class political struggles for the fairer distribution of wealth and well-being across society.”
Seriously? Who is this mythical group of urban hipsters who buy ‘green’ products but vote right-wing? Sounds more like ordinary middle-class people to me. Instead of rightfully criticising the status quo — ie, the vast majority of us and the way we live — Vijay falls into the trap of creating some villainous other. The ‘hipster’. The ‘gentrifier’. The ‘yuppie’. All words that are so vague and so broad as to be utterly meaningless.
It’s a good read, but the author is incorrect in claiming that veganism (or vegetarianism) leads to more soybean and fruit/vegetable consuption. He’s forgetting that meat-animals eat far more soybeans than are required to replace themselves as a source of protein.
Ian 23:32 on 2019-06-06 Permalink
Hallelujah. I’ve been preaching this line for decades and was beginning to feel like an old man yelling at clouds.
J. Ryan 00:16 on 2019-06-07 Permalink
Says “hipster” too much.
walkerp 10:04 on 2019-06-07 Permalink
That’s a great article. I would have liked to see more specific policy suggestions for the UdeM development and it how it impacts Parc-Ex specifically, but the global argument is very clear.
DeWolf 12:06 on 2019-06-07 Permalink
There’s a great argument in this piece about the inherent unsustainability of growth-based capitalism, but it falls apart when it attempts to wade into cultural criticism in its critique of gentrification and urban development. It relies on too many empty buzzwords (what even is a hipster?) and straw-man arguments.
“Urban hipsters are quick to dismiss poorer classes as having no ‘green consciousness’ (…) They also tend to turn their backs on working-class political struggles for the fairer distribution of wealth and well-being across society.”
Seriously? Who is this mythical group of urban hipsters who buy ‘green’ products but vote right-wing? Sounds more like ordinary middle-class people to me. Instead of rightfully criticising the status quo — ie, the vast majority of us and the way we live — Vijay falls into the trap of creating some villainous other. The ‘hipster’. The ‘gentrifier’. The ‘yuppie’. All words that are so vague and so broad as to be utterly meaningless.
SMD 14:11 on 2019-06-07 Permalink
@walkerp: If you have the time, here’s an academic article that compiles suggestions for all three levels of government, as well as the university, to mitigate the impact of gentrification in Park Extension: https://www.homelesshub.ca/blog/homelessness-hardship-and-public-action-gentrifying-areas-case-park-extension-montreal. Seems like a good starting point.
qatzelok 08:21 on 2019-06-08 Permalink
It’s a good read, but the author is incorrect in claiming that veganism (or vegetarianism) leads to more soybean and fruit/vegetable consuption. He’s forgetting that meat-animals eat far more soybeans than are required to replace themselves as a source of protein.
Article: B +
Veganism smear: : D –