Old vs. New

Yesterday afternoon I was leading my digital photography students on a walkabout through the Adams Morgan area of Washington, D.C. for their black and white lesson. We set out to explore luminance, texture, and interest. Walking up 18th Street, amid some of the best restaurants in the District, was an example of what until recently was considered commonplace... a smashed storefront window.

It goes to show that certain elements of the "old DC" still exist, despite the best efforts of gentrification. The neighborhood is interesting because it really is where old meets new, and not just in vandalism, but also in merchants and the streets. There are still a number of ethnic enclaves in this neighborhood, right along side the latest "interlopers" who are trying to re-purpose the neighborhood into the latest hot-spot.

Where else can you find falafel next to a bourbon bar next to indian food, across the street from a tattoo shop and Turkish deli? Right around the corner is a man from Eastern Europe selling the finest knock-off handbags money can buy (within at least a couple blocks). THAT is diversity, and I think it is the foundation of a true "neighborhood".

It is troubling to see a storefront smashed like above. At the same time it is troubling to see the unique character of the neighborhood slowly slipping away in the interest of hip, chic, restaurants and clubs. While I do not have the answer as to how to preserve the neighborhoods unique character while making it a safe and vibrant area, I see there is ample room for discussion. I only hope the neighborhood is working together to preserve said character, rather than simply focusing on the bottom dollar.