Korea knows best!

Let's face it, America likes to think that it is the greatest nation in all the world. And hey, I have my moments where the jingoism cannot be contained and my heart swells with red, white, and blue pride, BUT we have to concede that sometimes other countries may have a one up on us. Take Korea for example. Man do they know how to gentrify!

Once upon a time, the city of Seoul was a really ugly place. It was grey and polluted and just really icky. Then, the governor came and badabingbadaboom! He wanted to reintroduce nature to the grey blob that was his city and well.... just check this out:


But I think these pics REALLY sum it up.


They say a picture is worth a thousand words and here it is! I would consider this a success to introducing nature back to the country as well as opening up the communtiy, wouldn't you? I think that the one thing cities lack is an openness and clean feeling. People are known for being so fast paced in the cities, yet I think they would benefit the most from a more suburban-like feel that comes with a place like the Cheonggyecheon Stream where people can relax and interact. This opening up would also attract business and revenue for the city as more people are attracted to the city that has undergone such successful beautification.

Take a real gander at this one, Uncle Tom. We could learn a lot.

Plans for the Master Plan

While outlining the goals of the Master Plan, I personally think it sounds quite dandy. Who wouldn't want a more pedestrian friendly, open, green space around to meander along rather than cars rushing about everywhere making all sorts of ruckus? I was never inclined to think like a business person with strategy and ways to optimize this or that so I can only think of the direct hypothetical.

Nicer stores surrounding campus will surely lure some students out of the dorms and into the closest store, but I find it doubtful that the people of the area will seek the same luxury. I think the one area I see the most community members is at the UV theater. And well, with movies for only 5 dollars, half of what it is at home, who wouldn't go for that deal?! Actually, while I am guilty of loving the 5 dollar movies, when there is a showing of something I really want to see, quality takes over and I would much rather spend twice as much at a nicer theater. This mindset is what usually always separates the community from USC. We enjoy cheaper, lesser quality things but most still have the option of opting for better quality things when we choose. Another example is Superior vs. Ralphs. One is more convenient, cheaper, but not as good as the other. And I know more students that frequent Ralph's purely for quality. I guess this rant is just trying to say in regards to the Master Plan that by bringing new stores/developments into the area, you are catering more towards the USC students and not so much towards the community.

Another tiff I have with the Master Plan: Will students be more apt to walk around campus if it's prettier and more open? I would. Does that mean that they're going to interact with the community members also promenading around the lovely area? Quite frankly, no. Call me a debbie downer, but I don't see much interaction between community members and USC folks going on. Through programs that seek to mesh the two together, of course. But I, personally, take the whole "don't talk to strangers" lesson to heart. So, whomever is on that tangent (that open space will lead to more integration) I have some doubts.

I think the Master Plan is founded on good intentions, but in thinking about how the community will feel about these alterations I am not quite sure where I stand on the support spectrum.