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Dear White People: An Ode to Gentrification

Dear White People,

There's a Starbucks in my neighborhood so I know you'll be here soon. While I'll welcome the creature comforts you'll bring -- better restaurants and grocery stores, for example -- I hope you understand that you're coming to my spot.

Please don't try to change it.

When you come to the 'hood, you immediately try to impose your way of life on us. The good stuff comes and the rents go up. Next thing you know, the things we love -- the noise, the hustle and bustle, the music, etc. -- are "too much" for you and you try to get rid of them. Eventually, the place we've called home is unrecognizable.

Please don't do that.

Is it really so hard for you to come into our neighborhoods and just be good neighbors? I don't think you try. That's why we hate to see you coming. We hate that you throw your privilege around and force us out.

Can't we all just get along? I think it would be great for all of us if we could.

Dear White People, please let us live. We'll let you live, too.

Sincerely,

The Natives

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