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Corporate Conundrum
"Borders, Subway, and Starbucks are everywhere, but convenience can’t replace the feeling of home."
By Caitlin Grey
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Youth Radios Caitlin Grey discusses the transformation of Alameda from a somewhat quaint town to a corporation infested generic city. She says, "...Downtown used to mean Sunny Bean’s Coffee Shop and Tucker’s Ice Cream Parlor. But now it seems like the island has been colonized by the kingdoms of Starbucks and Old Navy."
Most teenagers in Alameda complain about living in the slow-paced community, whining about its lack of excitement. They’ve even coined clever nicknames for our city like “A-Lame-Day.” But I’m not amused. I love living in Alameda.
Within the last few years, the city has undergone a radical transformation. To me, downtown used to mean Sunny Bean’s Coffee Shop and Tucker’s Ice Cream Parlor. But now it seems like the island has been colonized by the kingdoms of Starbucks and Old Navy.
Judging by the local paper, there is some resistance to the development, but many Alamedans seem pleased by the city’s extreme makeover.
But my greatest memories of Alameda weren’t made in shopping malls or cineplexes. As these places are threatened by all the new development, I wonder if my hometown will lose its charm and become just any other city.
Borders, Subway, and Starbucks are everywhere, but convenience can’t replace the feeling of home.
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