Op-Ed
Change of Address
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The 700 Level
October 15, 2006 - 8:12pmIt’s Saturday night, and as I’m getting ready to fall asleep on Astroturf waiting for my line number to be called (1,673, for the record), I realize that, once again, Ithaca is showing its obliviousness to the real world. No, I don’t mean the insane length of the line this year — I’m just lucky to have a line number at all. Rather, the city of Ithaca is embroiled in a controversy over renaming a street that has quickly degenerated into an alleged debate on race. So, since it seems that nobody is looking at this matter objectively, and since I’ve got two hours until lights out, let me take a crack at solving this seemingly delicate matter.
Before I go any further, let me state that this debate is not based on race. While race relations may be a continuing problem in Ithaca, the core of this particular argument is about the renaming of a street. At no point has anyone in the city protested the initiative based on the proposed name itself, nor to my knowledge criticized the plan for any racial reason. Despite those who may believe otherwise, renaming State Street will not serve as a basic solution to a complicated problem, and no ignorant people will suddenly wake up and say, “My street’s named after Martin Luther King Jr., I’m now accepting of everybody.”
While I do respect the effort being put forth on the issue by both sides, the one thing I’ve learned during my time in Ithaca is to pick and choose battles that can make a difference to your cause. Promoting better race relations is simply too important of an issue to be hinging on the naming of a street. I know it can be the little issues that characterize a situation, but that’s what makes the discretion of what you protest that much more important. I understand the popular support of 1,400 signatures behind the name change, but how many of them are only temporary residents? While they may sign the petition and subsequently move away to larger cities, it will be the residents of Ithaca who will be most affected by the repercussions.
It may not be the feel good answer to the conflict, but the truth is that the decision to rename a major thoroughfare should not be made without first weighing the economic consequences. Ithaca supposedly prides itself on its relationships with small businesses; this issue is whether they can prove that they actually mean it. While it may seem like a minor inconvenience to some, being forced to change everything from ads to the very name of your establishment can cripple companies. What type of a victory for race relations would it be if Martin Luther King Boulevard was lined with closed storefronts? Hurting businesses so you can feel empowered will, if anything, serve as a detriment to your cause. Unfortunately, the financial burden placed on these establishments could make that image an unintended reality. How many Ithacans, minorities or not, could lose their jobs if their mom-and-pop businesses close?
Maintaining the name of State Street does not mean that Dr. King cannot be honored. There are other, better alternatives that can both appease the vocal minority and small businesses at the same time. As opposed to imitating the other thousands of towns that have already renamed a street, why not build a memorial? I’m sure there are plenty of locations (including Ithaca High School, where the idea originated) that could play host to some form of an artistic tribute. Even adding something so simple as a design contest would help to engage this cultured community.
Why is it so important to have this particular street change its name right now? If the idea of an artistic tribute doesn’t seem drastic enough, creating a Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center could provide a base for civic engagement for decades. In the Sun article on Friday, Pelin Ainer said, “People aren’t really talking to each other.” A new community center could be a great bridge for young kids from different backgrounds to meet each other before any outside prejudices take hold, in a setting where their differences can be recognized in a positive manner. It may take longer, but the benefits would be felt long after this debate is forgotten.
Unfortunately, this is Ithaca, a town where acceptance only comes to the winner of a screaming match. Instead of examining possible alternatives, I fear that the situation will continue to degenerate into issues that transcend the street itself. While the matter of race relations can be discussed in another, larger forum, the plight of the businesses desperately depends on this single issue. These suggestions I put forth are only a few, thought of by a girl in a hockey line. One of the good things about Ithaca is its intellectualism; surely someone can come up with other alternative tributes that are economically viable.
It’s now 11:09 a.m. on Sunday, and, thanks to my good friend Sandy, I’ve been granted a temporary reprieve from my line duty to type this article in the library. I’m cold, hungry and very tired. However, these things are overtaken by the excitement of being in an environment where kids will sleep on fake grass just to see their favorite team. The passion that Ithaca has for its billions of causes is similar; I just wish the city knew how to harness it.
Megan Sweeney is a senior in the College of Arts and Sciences. She can be reached at mps65@cornell.edu. The 700 Level appears alternate Mondays.
"Change of address"
I thought Megan Sweeney had a lot of positive input in her article that allow numerous opportunities to continue the legacy of a man other than by merely naming a street after him.