Thursday 31 May 2012

Hidden Secrets

                                                              Image: M-J Milloy(google)
  The Downtown East Side is a familiar residence to me. Recently realizing I was exposed to only the positive attributions it has to offer to society. This blog project has allowed me to widen my prospective and expand my knowledge on the occurring issues in the Downtown East Side. I dug into the history of the downtown east side, unfolding several of the obstacles it is in the process of overcoming. The Downtown East Side in my perspective is the hidden part of this beautiful area code; they prefer to hide its flaws from the public to avoid the humiliation that would occur once exposed. This allows the government to focus funds elsewhere, therefore saving money, and according to the government putting it towards a “better” and more “successful” cause. The compelling aspect to the Downtown East Side is its potential. When I discover potential in a situation, environment, or an individual, I view it as an opening for success. If one discovers potential there need not be any component to hold you back from achieving greatness. In curiosity how long has the government been aware of the reoccurring issues in the Downtown East Side, and why are they not doing more to expand its development? It seems so discouraging, we’ve been taught to tackle issues, not avoid them; causing further destruction. People need to realize how serious of an issue this is. Its expanding further and further, the prostitution and drug rate is increasing, meaning the poverty rate is following. How do we expect this issue to solve itself? The Downtown East Side needs more assistance, funds, and encouragement. The Downtown East Side is corrupting; all the efforts individuals and organizations have put into furthering the Downtown East Side’s development will not have made a permanent impact. Although there efforts were extremely beneficial, if we don’t focus on permanent success, this residence will continue returning back to square one. I relate the situation in the Downtown East Side to homework. You need to get it done, but you will do anything to avoid it. Although you have been told the deadlines and guidelines, one still chooses to simply avoid the instructions; knowing that avoiding it will only cause more confusion and put you in a troublesome situation. As a society if we do not address the issues in the Downtown East side in a planed and coordinated way , it will continue to be a problem for the future generations, and own future society.

4 comments:

  1. Hi Selam,

    Your post got me thinking about the negative attitude there is towards the downtown eastside. I think the downtown eastside deserves better representation in our society, through media and so forth. It is often seen through such a negative perspective, which needs to change. I really like your positive attitude towards the eastside, and I think that's the type of attitude we need to encourage in our society not just towards the downtown eastside but to all types of issues. We should see all our problems as "openings for success". This shift in attitude is crucial in order for the downtown eastside to thrive; the more positivity and hope it connotes, the more public attention and funding, etc. it will receive. What do you think?

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  2. Hi Selam, Your metaphor for the east side of down town Vancouver to homework was very clever and very true. This post reminds me of the Olympics as said in a comment I'm sure I have already made about people just pushing the subject aside because it doesn't effect them. As well as people make a lot of assumptions about the people downtown and how "they choose to be there" and "it's their fault" which in some cases it is but in a lot it's not. In your last post I noticed there were a lot of organizations and help centers for prostitutes and drug addict but are there any for people way below the poverty line? or is that even happening down town?

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  3. Mina-I completely agree with you, if we continue to send possible encouragement towards the downtown east side change will be much easier to achieve. As long as we are hopeful for change, we can achieve much greatness.

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  4. Emily- Thanks so much for you're input. Yes there are lots of organizations available in the Downtown East Side, but there main focus revolves around developing the downtown eastside and assisting the homeless, prostitutes and drug addicts. Individuals living below the line usually attempt to apply for welfare. But not everyone is able to get this assistance.

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