When I think of Wicker Park, I think of the social scene within the community. From its many small business shops to its local bar scene, Wicker Park is the definition of gentrification. Although the neighborhood still has trouble with robbery, you would never imagine that this neighborhood was once a violent community that had an emphasis on gang life like Pilsen. The neighborhood is now known to be home to many young artists, but I think that is just sugar coating it. Wicker Park is really known to be home to many hipsters; as much as they hate being called that, it's true. Even though the neighborhood still has some hints of ethnic heritage - Puerto Rican and Mexican - their influence among the community is not strong enough to say that say that the Hispanic culture is what mainly helps this community thrive. Instead, it's a new culture that is helping the community thrive. It's the small thrift shops, local restaurants, bar scene, biker friendly lanes, sex shops, smoke shops, coffee shops, and welcoming atmosphere that make Wicker Park such an enjoyable place to visit.
It wasn't until two summers ago that I realized how amazing this neighborhood is. All it took to realize this was an afternoon stroll down Milwaukee avenue with a couple of friends. With only $10 in my pocket, I was able to purchase a decent sized meal at a small sandwich shop and a very stylish pair of used sunglasses. In Brenda Fowler's New York Times article, "The Many Accents of Wicker Park," she describes the typical day exploring through the streets of Wicker Park as she finds that her neighborhood has drastically changed from its original Eastern European and Hispanic roots to a more socializing area for a younger generation. Even though her account was written over ten years ago, not much has changed since then. In fact, the neighborhood has probably gained more of the "indie" culture since then.
Chicago is known for the many summer festivals and outdoor concerts it offers to its citizens and tourists, so it is no surprise that Wicker Park hosts one of these fests. Wicker Park Fest is held once a year for two days in late July and offers a musical act each night while also offering attendees local food venues and of course, beer stands. Last summer was the first time I attended the fest, and was really impressed, not that I should have been. What really surprised me was how there were many people smoking weed in broad day light without caring if anyone would catch them. Some would have found this unappealing, but I believe this only added to the fest. It added the correct atmosphere to the fest that clearly resembled the atmosphere of the community - a very chill environment where people could enjoy themselves in whatever way they want.
Unlike Bridgeport or Pilsen, ethnic culture doesn't play a main role in defining the community in Wicker Park. Instead, it plays as a part of many different aspects that make Wicker Park so unique. Even though the majority of the immigrant population has left Wicker Park, the different languages that used to be so common in the community are still heard but not as much (Fowler). Regardless of the effects that gentrification left on the community, Wicker Park is one of Chicago's main attractions and is home to a new culture that partly defines how diverse the city is as a whole.
It wasn't until two summers ago that I realized how amazing this neighborhood is. All it took to realize this was an afternoon stroll down Milwaukee avenue with a couple of friends. With only $10 in my pocket, I was able to purchase a decent sized meal at a small sandwich shop and a very stylish pair of used sunglasses. In Brenda Fowler's New York Times article, "The Many Accents of Wicker Park," she describes the typical day exploring through the streets of Wicker Park as she finds that her neighborhood has drastically changed from its original Eastern European and Hispanic roots to a more socializing area for a younger generation. Even though her account was written over ten years ago, not much has changed since then. In fact, the neighborhood has probably gained more of the "indie" culture since then.
Chicago is known for the many summer festivals and outdoor concerts it offers to its citizens and tourists, so it is no surprise that Wicker Park hosts one of these fests. Wicker Park Fest is held once a year for two days in late July and offers a musical act each night while also offering attendees local food venues and of course, beer stands. Last summer was the first time I attended the fest, and was really impressed, not that I should have been. What really surprised me was how there were many people smoking weed in broad day light without caring if anyone would catch them. Some would have found this unappealing, but I believe this only added to the fest. It added the correct atmosphere to the fest that clearly resembled the atmosphere of the community - a very chill environment where people could enjoy themselves in whatever way they want.
Unlike Bridgeport or Pilsen, ethnic culture doesn't play a main role in defining the community in Wicker Park. Instead, it plays as a part of many different aspects that make Wicker Park so unique. Even though the majority of the immigrant population has left Wicker Park, the different languages that used to be so common in the community are still heard but not as much (Fowler). Regardless of the effects that gentrification left on the community, Wicker Park is one of Chicago's main attractions and is home to a new culture that partly defines how diverse the city is as a whole.