I chose topics related to my personal interests. I love restaurant life in NYC. I have a yelp account where I write reviews on my experiences, and most of my experiences are at restaurants. My minor is sociology, and I am also very interested in black and Latino communities in America. Here is what I came up with:
My ideas:
1. Gentrification of restaurants in Harlem: Instead of speaking about gentrification, I want branch off this issue and focus how Harlem’s restaurant scene has been affected by gentrification. I think gentrification in itself does not get a lot of coverage. Maybe because it’s an issue forces want to keep hidden, or maybe it’s because people in the gentrified communities don’t realize the importance of gentrification, but I want to bring this to light in a fun way. I don’t know the type of voice I’d use on my blog because I love the new restaurants and chic businesses in my neighborhood, but I hate that gentrification is taking away from the culture in Harlem. This is something I’d have to brainstorm.
2. “Kids”of Harlem: I’ve noticed a lot of Harlem natives around my age “hustling” to make better lives for themselves. A good portion of the people I grew up with are graduates or enrolled in college, make their own music or clothes, have their own businesses, etc. But some of the people I grew up with are not walking down the same path. Many of these people’s parents and grandparents did not have the same opportunities we have today, and I wanted to address this issue on my blog. Why is this the case for some of us and not all of us? What opportunities do we have in Harlem that affect our future, both now and then?
5 responses so far ↓
Jona Jaupi // Sep 16th 2014 at 2:45 pm
I remember you talking about the first idea in class, and everyone seemed to find it interesting. I think there’s definitely a lot of potential for reporting as well as entertaining. If you’re conflicted about the type of voice you should be using, remember that as a journalist you must remain objective, so perhaps your tone should be strictly observational, there’s no harm in simply stating the facts as they are.
MOLLY DENG // Sep 16th 2014 at 3:10 pm
I agree with Jona, I think your first idea is very interesting. I, for one, would like to see gentrification through the lens of different restaurants because it brings about a new perspective to an existing issue. I like that it’s more personal and more relatable. I look forward to reading your blog!
VHaller // Sep 17th 2014 at 9:44 am
Yes, to restaurants in Harlem through the prism of gentrification. Love it.
ps151368 // Sep 17th 2014 at 12:34 pm
This would be a really cool way to actually show the effect of gentrification. I think restaurant prices all over are kind of crazy, it’s almost too easy to find a menu where an entree costs at least $15-$20. How many people can afford to be a regular customer at prices like that? If local residents can’t afford to be eating there, who is the restaurant attracting?
Diana Kozak // Sep 17th 2014 at 12:38 pm
Love the kids of Harlem idea!! This sounds like it could resort in some amazing photos and really tell some great stories. I say, go for it!!