Hating Park Slope Is Sooo Yesterday...

They say "All Press is Good Press". That doesn't keep me from wincing every time a new article pops up to remind us of all the people who still perceive Park Slope as a "Stroller Mafia" community. To be fair, journalists are reporting exactly what they hear on the streets, at parties, in blogs, etc. We're not imagining it, you either love Park Slope or you hate it. Frankly, I am one of those people who have lived here for 15 years and is smitten. I love the sense of community, the space, the tree-lined streets and architecture and how family friendly it is. This is why I was relieved to learn that the latest article about Park Slope in the "Sunday Styles" section of the NY Times yesterday didn't inspire readers to comment with the usual heated judgements. Although I know there are people out there who for one reason or another have disdain for the Slope, I always wondered who these people were. All I've ever encountered living in Park Slope has been diversity, activism, people of all incomes and well-grounded moms without any sense of entitlement. I'm sure there probably are clusters of entitled mommy's here, but I suspect these types of people can easily be found in neighborhoods all over the country as well.

The NY Times article reiterated old stereotypes, such as; "community fussbudgets, whiny parents, taverns crawling with toddlers, hip watering holes edging out old-man bars." The people at NY Magazine immediately upon reading yesterday's NY Times article did a temperature check of reactions to the write-up. They visited Curbed and Brownstoner expecting to see the usual "hilarious and cruel fireworks". But it turns out many are finding the habit of dissing the Slope so played out. In fact, I'm happy to report that there seems to be a backlash against Park Slope haters.

The following is a synopsis of some residents explaining why they think people hate Park Slope:

• "They’re jealous because they can’t live here." —Josh Grinker, the chef and an owner of Stone Park Café

• "There is all this class resentment in New York, and it’s very tied up in real estate. People who are well-housed are the envy of others." —John Mollenkopf, director of the Center for Urban Research at the City University Graduate Center.

• "Hipsters and people who don’t have kids are terrified of becoming grown-ups and parents, which is what Park Slope has come to represent. So you lash out against that as if it’s the worst thing in the world, when in five years, you know what? It’s going to be you." —Jeff Sandgrund, 30, a lifelong Park Sloper

I admit, there was a time that I found all the attention fascinating, but come on now...let's move on. I promise... this will be the last post I make about Park Slope hating.

Posted by Monkeydoodle at Monday, May 19, 2008