As advocates of sustainability, we are sometimes drawn to the sheen of new big ideas. It is tempting to think that a fresh theory or product will transform an industry and solve the problems we find so pressing. Unfortunately, this is sometimes dangerous thinking. Without being cognizant of history, it is wont to repeat itself. What may look like a refreshing idea is really a retread of a past failure with shiny packaging. Related to cities, the more we ignore our urban histories, the more likely we are to repeat our failures.
Here in Southeast Michigan, we are surrounded by the detritus of failed new big ideas. Oddly, the ideas of the day bear an uncanny resemblance to the failed ideas of the past. Andrew Highsmith’s dissertation, Demolition Means Progress: Race, Class, and the Deconstruction of the American Dream in Flint, MI, looks at the failure of urban renewal in the 1960s, particularly as it relates to race and class. The urban renewal movement is a classic example of a program lacking in humility and tone deaf to history. According to Highsmith, the scary thing is that urban planners and the language of shrinking cities may be repeating history as the very same neighborhoods that were slated for urban renewal are now being called out for a reduction in city services and a possible return to a natural environment. Urban planners are often oblivious to the ironies of history.
A large serving of humility reminds us that the road to sustainability is riddled with unsexy, incremental work. While things like TedTalks fetishize the big idea (even though there are some I really like), I wish they could just as effectively glamorize the hard work of making community change. But I guess they’ve learned from history that there is a buck to be made by luring people with big ideas.
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