We talked for a bit in class about how Greenpoint was home to a vibrant Polish community. This has changed quickly over the past decade as Natalie was kind enough to share her personal experiences of how Greenpoint became a victim of gentrification.
I stumbled upon this video that looks into Greenpoint. It was the first video that appeared on YouTube so maybe it would really helpful for a person looking into Greenpoint. The title suggests that it is going to present various points of interest and popular restaurants in Greenpoint, so that a person who might be interested in visiting the neighborhood would know where to go. However, it seemed to me more as a McCafe commercial with Greenpoint in the background. Watch the 3-minute video and you’ll see at least 3 references to McCafe.
Sure, they have a quick little scene in front of a Polish bakery, talking about the Polish influence in Greenpoint, but they quickly take away from it by beginning a racist joke about the Polish. They even introduce the video with a hipster in the background and later describe him as a hip, young person who contributes to the culture of Greenpoint.
This purpose of this video is up in the air to me. What is the purpose of making a video that does not give much insight about Greenpoint? Why are there so many promotions of McCafe? Nonetheless, this video seems to put Greenpoint in the light of hipsters and not the Polish immigrants who made Greenpoint the Polish haven.
