Tony Ceoffe and Aggie Brose talk about knowing the community and use words like "street knowledge". They talk about their work with government, artists, insurance companies. Tony speaks to his value of the millionaire rather than the 21 year old kid who values creativity.
"If he used his artistic ability for good, he could probably be a millionaire," Ceoffe said. "But the fact of the matter is, he's not. He's a criminal, he's a felon and he's a vandal. What he does, and what people like him continue to do, is vandalize properties in our neighborhoods." - WTAE
It is ridiculous to think that either of them have a clue about what life is like growing up in 2009. They view children as the enemy. Tony created power to influence peoples decisions, to frame the debate and discussion and now he wants the power to rule over our lives.
The BGC and Lawrenceville United are at war with youth across the city. They create false hope for youth with framing "art" as something more valuable than "crime". Their concern is not outlets for youth, but in their own interests: having a well controlled, well regulated society, with nuances swept under the carpet or behind bars, with demolishing peoples homes, and building art lofts in it's place.
I am a 22 year old living in the east end. 2000's are very different than the 90's and 80's. Skateboarding, BMX riding, Rap music, being loud, having fun - is ruled over and illegal (if not legally, socially).
The outlets that were available 5, 10, 20 years ago are no longer there. I don't know how Tony or Aggie grew up, but for me: It is watching my friends OD and die from boredom, it is being told that myspace, youtube, sitting at home, txt-ing, etc... are perfectly acceptable forms of relationships. That virtual reality is the way to go! It is safe, well managed, and most of all profitable. And when you try and escape that ghetto, it is the reality of being arrested for a curfew violation, it is being thrown in jail for drug use. It is always being told that dreaming of a better wold is fine, but taking steps is not. It is having the whole world against you and limiting fun in every way.
With all the talking those two do, you think that they would have a clue? Better communities are not ones where people are at war with their neighbor, or putting up cameras and calling the police over kids hanging out. Better communities are not defined by how many art galleries exist on the block. Better communities are ones that stand in solidarity with one another and resolve issues on a communal basis. They are ones that don't run to some outside regulator (police, CDC's) for problem solving. Better communities have life, meaning, and purpose. Pittsburgh is living in a population decline, a recession, and political confusion. Hope is not something I see in any politician, especially Tony Ceoffe.
Recent Comments
"If he used his artistic ability for good, he could probably be a millionaire," Ceoffe said. "But the fact of the matter is, he's not. He's a criminal, he's a felon and he's a vandal. What he does, and what people like him continue to do, is vandalize properties in our neighborhoods." - WTAE
It is ridiculous to think that either of them have a clue about what life is like growing up in 2009. They view children as the enemy. Tony created power to influence peoples decisions, to frame the debate and discussion and now he wants the power to rule over our lives.
The BGC and Lawrenceville United are at war with youth across the city. They create false hope for youth with framing "art" as something more valuable than "crime". Their concern is not outlets for youth, but in their own interests: having a well controlled, well regulated society, with nuances swept under the carpet or behind bars, with demolishing peoples homes, and building art lofts in it's place.
I am a 22 year old living in the east end. 2000's are very different than the 90's and 80's. Skateboarding, BMX riding, Rap music, being loud, having fun - is ruled over and illegal (if not legally, socially).
The outlets that were available 5, 10, 20 years ago are no longer there. I don't know how Tony or Aggie grew up, but for me: It is watching my friends OD and die from boredom, it is being told that myspace, youtube, sitting at home, txt-ing, etc... are perfectly acceptable forms of relationships. That virtual reality is the way to go! It is safe, well managed, and most of all profitable. And when you try and escape that ghetto, it is the reality of being arrested for a curfew violation, it is being thrown in jail for drug use. It is always being told that dreaming of a better wold is fine, but taking steps is not. It is having the whole world against you and limiting fun in every way.
With all the talking those two do, you think that they would have a clue? Better communities are not ones where people are at war with their neighbor, or putting up cameras and calling the police over kids hanging out. Better communities are not defined by how many art galleries exist on the block. Better communities are ones that stand in solidarity with one another and resolve issues on a communal basis. They are ones that don't run to some outside regulator (police, CDC's) for problem solving. Better communities have life, meaning, and purpose. Pittsburgh is living in a population decline, a recession, and political confusion. Hope is not something I see in any politician, especially Tony Ceoffe.
-Joseph Bonanno