This is so interesting because in some of the spaces I'm in (which include, tbf, a lot of 'extractivist transplants') it's really common for people to denigrate SF culture! So for me the discourse feels very real—I've had quite a few conversations with acquaintances who are convinced that SF is totally dead on weekdays (it's definitely q…
This is so interesting because in some of the spaces I'm in (which include, tbf, a lot of 'extractivist transplants') it's really common for people to denigrate SF culture! So for me the discourse feels very real—I've had quite a few conversations with acquaintances who are convinced that SF is totally dead on weekdays (it's definitely quieter, but there are often readings and concerts and events happening…) and that there's nothing to do except work. This is really a reflection of their own lives, not what the city has to offer…
I think it comes from expecting culture to be something you simply consume, in the most frictionless way possible, instead of something you actively participate in.
I do agree that the value of SF (and many similar cities) is not in coercing it to feel like NYC, London, etc but to recognize what is distinctive and special about the city—due to its history, its size, the people who are there…thank you for the beautifully articulated and thought-provoking comment!
This is so interesting because in some of the spaces I'm in (which include, tbf, a lot of 'extractivist transplants') it's really common for people to denigrate SF culture! So for me the discourse feels very real—I've had quite a few conversations with acquaintances who are convinced that SF is totally dead on weekdays (it's definitely quieter, but there are often readings and concerts and events happening…) and that there's nothing to do except work. This is really a reflection of their own lives, not what the city has to offer…
I think it comes from expecting culture to be something you simply consume, in the most frictionless way possible, instead of something you actively participate in.
I do agree that the value of SF (and many similar cities) is not in coercing it to feel like NYC, London, etc but to recognize what is distinctive and special about the city—due to its history, its size, the people who are there…thank you for the beautifully articulated and thought-provoking comment!