Reflections Via "European Cities Information Societies & Global Economy"

Even though this article is focused upon European cities and how they are leading a transformation to the Information Society I really think that some of the same concepts can be compared and contrasted here in Seattle. Both America and Europe are in the "North" which according to the article holds the upper hand in relations because of informational wealth. The center of wealth is now in the suburbs and middle to upper class neighborhoods. In this context, with the development of localization, there is a strong emphasis on the role of immigrant influx into Europe and how the shaking of local identities will present a threat of rising racism and intolerance.

Comparing that to our experiences on Pike Place, I feel here in Seattle, unlike Europe we do have a focus inward on our own community but there isn't as strong of a historical identity attached to it. Immigrants do often work in lower paying jobs and probably live in lower class neighborhoods but there seems to be enough diversity in our city at least that it diffuses against intolerance towards one particular group since no one is singled out in particular. Perhaps that occurs in other US cities. Another possibility is this looming threat in terms of assimilation is largely unique to Europe. These are issues worth looking into.