Note from the Editor: Apology for Problematic Use of Census Data in Our Article

The only thing I really know about gentrification is that it is a very complex, multifaceted subject that triggers a lot of emotions, and not having those emotions clouding one’s judgment while in the middle of a heated discussion takes some serious Zen practice.

As the editor-in-chief and founder of Bushwick Daily, I won’t pretend that I have gentrification figured out—I don’t, and I dare to say that very few people do. And so whenever a writer approaches me with the intent to discuss an aspect of gentrification in writing, I am typically wary. I usually warn them that it is an incredibly complex and emotional subject, and chances are that they won’t get it right. I said the same thing to Evagelos Frigis, who approached me—with good intentions, I believe—wanting to write a piece that looked closely at the changes in Bushwick demographics according to the census data. Evagelos assured me that if somebody were to find evidence against his findings than it would be good news for everyone, simply because it would mean we’d all learn something. I liked this approach of openness to critique of one’s own writing, and even potential mistakes, and the notion of learning resonated with me as well. Furthermore, I am always in favor of well-researched articles that explain data, which may or may not contradict existing opinions rooted within public.