Monday, September 14, 2015

Centrification

I've coined a new word, and hope to see it in dictionaries by Christmas at the latest. I'm proud of my new word, because it defines a phenomena which is growing in popularity in the US and several other former democratic countries.

"Centrification" is my new word. Most people understand this word's first cousin, "gentrification", which is the act of (generally speaking...) wealthier white people moving into low income neighborhoods, traditionally inhabited by people of color. They end up destroying the culture, and drive the cost of living up, causing these lower income people to move away.

"Centrification" has similar qualities. It's the act of (generally speaking...) upper middle class white people kissing the asses of the rich, and going along with activities that harm poor people. The acceptance of "war", "poverty", and "racism" without ever saying these things are wrong for fear of leaving the center, thus disappointing their overlords.

I've been known to quote my personal hero, Martin Luther King Junior, who said "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter". Bet he'd use my centrification word if he were still alive! He also said "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere". I'm damn near sure he'd use my centrification word! I'll end this post with a quote from.....? MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. "In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends".

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