City of Angels 2017-18

In class today we attempted to tackle the complexities of social media and personal experiences— such as battling cancer. Our generation seems to have rooted and grown individual identity through the platform of social media. Instagram and snapchat are our go to communities to share a moment or tell our story.  Continuing our dialogue, What do we think of this community? Do you know anyone who benefitted or was hurt by intimacy made public? Is there a difference between participating in “in-person” advocacy / popularized “raising awareness” events and interacting or broadcasting through the medium of social media?

Looking back on the year, I think our biggest debates and most interesting discussions as a class have revolved around gentrification. I have always been slightly confused about the topic of gentrification because I do not know where the line is drawn between the development of a community and gentrification. Is it possible for a community to develop/evolve without the label of gentrification being tagged to it? Is it possible for a community to change without risking the loss of its citizens? No matter what, communities will continue to change and shift as time goes on, and I am interested in all of your opinions about the effects of these changes and ways that possible negative impacts can be limited.