I asked an AI to write this newsletter - The gentrification problems in Mexico City, the Canary Islands and Puerto Rico
Greetings, roamers! This is the Roaming Monk with another edition of our newsletter inspired by architecture and different ways of living.
I have been wandering the virtual streets of the internet seeking information about the gentrification problems in the Canary Islands (Spain), Puerto Rico and Mexico City.
Below is a section I asked ChatGPT to write for me, but first, I want to write a little about the topic myself to see if you can spot any differences between the styles of writing.
What is gentrification?
As the sun sets over the sparkling waters of the Canary Islands, a familiar scene unfolds in the streets. Luxury hotels and resorts line the shore, drawing in tourists from around the world. But behind the glitz and glamour, a different story is taking shape.
Gentrification is transforming the islands, and long-time residents are feeling the effects.
As property values rise around the world and new businesses appear, locals are being pushed out of their homes in many neighborhoods, districts and even entire cities as big as Mexico City.
The traditional way of life on the islands of Puerto Rico and the Canary Islands is at risk of disappearing, swallowed up by the tide of progress; and in Mexico City, locals moving out to neighboring areas are pushing out the original inhabitants of those areas, creating a twisted version of a domino effect of the housing market.
Below is some evidence of what I am talking about.
A walk around neighborhoods like Roma and Condesa today would provide with sights of boutiques and new hip cafes where digital nomads and workers of technology companies, and overall members of the digital economy like yours truly, co-live and enjoy all the amenities they may want, at a cheaper price than they would back at home, in places such as the US and Canada, Europe or Israel.
Of course, those aren’t the only locations that digital nomads come from but since that’s where the majority of high-income countries are, it is no surprise that the majority of them do come from there.
Who’s causing this?
A digital nomad is a person makes a living from a profession or occupation that does not require him or her to be in a single location. If your services are location-independent and dispense a good income for you, why not use it to travel around, culture yourself and enjoy life in the meantime?
Digital nomads have become especially relevant for touristic locations around the world during and after the pandemic, as many in the hospitality industry were fighting to get their juicy, juicy money in hard times.
The trend exploded during 2021 and 2022 and while many think digital nomads are the main problem or, to get started with, a problem, that’s not entirely true.
First, many other actors have a part here. Both national and international brands who invest in a neighborhood or city, renovate buildings and develop higher-end constructions, are pushing the value of properties up. This is done, many times, to serve the very same locals that already live there.
It’s a matter of supply and demand.
Now, why travelers go to places like Mexico City seems only natural when you think about it: comfortable prices at considerably lower prices, international airports to go anywhere at any time, access to all products and services that you may think of and much more.
So are they to blame? I think not. But what do I know. I live in a 1,000 people town in the outskirts of the oldest and most boring major city of my country.
If you want to hear more from a person that’s been directly affected by this in the most populous city in North America, watch this. (in Spanish)
Start of the AI-produced text
Quick parenthesis here.
Now that you have read a bit of my writing, read on and see if there are many differences between both styles.
The gentrification of urban areas has been a growing concern in cities around the world. Puerto Rico, Mexico City, and the Canary Islands are no exception. This trend has led to the displacement of long-time residents and small businesses, and has changed the character of neighborhoods.
In Puerto Rico, gentrification has been driven by the island's economic crisis and the influx of mainland investors. The island's economic struggles have led to the closure of many businesses and the loss of jobs, causing many residents to leave. As a result, mainland investors have been able to buy up properties at low prices, leading to the gentrification of neighborhoods.
Mexico City has also seen its share of gentrification. As the city has become more economically successful, there has been a influx of new residents and businesses. This has led to rising property values and the displacement of long-time residents. The city's historic center, which was once home to working-class families and small businesses, has become a hub for trendy restaurants and boutiques.
The Canary Islands have also experienced gentrification, particularly in the tourist areas. As the islands have become more popular with tourists, there has been an influx of luxury hotels and resorts. This has led to the displacement of local residents and the loss of traditional businesses.
Gentrification is a complex issue, and addressing it requires a multi-faceted approach. Policymakers and community leaders in Puerto Rico, Mexico City, and the Canary Islands must work together to find solutions that support the needs of long-time residents and small businesses. By taking action, these cities can ensure that gentrification does not continue to harm their communities.
End of the AI-produced text
So, what do you think? Is it any good, is it better or worse? I quite like the sentences it redacted as intro and ending sentences but find that the middle ideas are expressed in a quite boring and plain way.
Do leave me a comment.
Is it all bad?
Yes, if you ask many locals. Tho thinking with a cold head, maybe not all.
You see? More people with cash to burn means higher possibilities of selling with higher prices and for a higher profit. Owners of restaurants, night clubs, tourist centers and shops in general know this. This is great for them but difficult to keep up for your every day inhabitant of San Juan, capital of Puerto Rico who earns an income in local currency and is used to paying 50% less for their meal at the local corner restaurant.
In the Canary Islands, areas that had always been protected are now being used for construction to supply the demand generated by vacationers during the high season. According to local activist groups, there has been destruction and commodification of nature during the development of ports and other structures in Spain’s Tenerife, the largest and most populous island.
What’s being done about it?
But, in many places, all is not lost. Growing movements are fighting back and seek to preserve the unique character of these territories. They are demanding affordable housing and support for small businesses and working to ensure that the voices of locals are heard.
Gentrification has had serious consequences for the affected communities. We’ve seen this problem before with globalization, that has slowly brough about loss of traditions and sense of community in my places around the world. Small businesses are also at risk, as they may not be able to compete with the influx of new, more upscale businesses.
One way to address gentrification is through the use of inclusionary zoning policies. These policies require developers to include a certain percentage of affordable housing units in their projects. This can help ensure that some low-income residents are able to continue to live in gentrifying areas.
Another solution is the creation of community land trusts. These trusts are owned and controlled by the community and are used to develop affordable housing and support small businesses. This can help preserve the character of neighborhoods and prevent displacement.
Finally, I want to leave you with a song-documentary (yah, that’s the first time I say or write that term) by the three consecutive times-most popular artist in the world (yah, that’s the first time I say or write that) by Spotify, Bad Bunny: El apagón. (English subtitles available)
Like his work or not, it’s interesting how he’s used his platform to bring attention to the topic of gentrification in the island that is his home. The 25-minute video includes, aside from music, interviews with people who have been affected and had led the movements to try and protect the country from gentrification. It’s worth the watch.
Thanks for reading and please leave your thoughts on the topic. What’s your favorite gentrified natural paradise to vacation?
PS: Why did the gentrified neighborhood get mad at the new hipster coffee shop? Because it was "too mainstream". Generated by AI. 😂