The question is
"prefer" because it is just that...a preference. There is no "right" or "wrong" answer. Whether you call our community
East of the River or
River East or
East Washington at the end of the day we are all talking about the same thing.
There is far more uniting us that seperating us. So if we talk to each other, put aside the assumptions and accusations and look a little closer - we may see that we have all been on the same side the entire time.
EAST OF THE RIVER EAST OF THE RIVER
So please vote in the poll above about your preference and post any comments here. Let's encourage an insightful and respectful dialogue...no "crabby" comments please...we are all in this together.
4 Comments:
Hmm, good poll! Language and branding is really important when creating a sense of community that people want to identify with. Plus I think River East has a more youthful and progressive element to it.
Everyone knows I love "River East" but I also use "East of the River" from time to time. I don't think anyone's intent is to stamp out "East of the River" just give another option...like we want people who are not familiar with Wards 7 and 8 to consider them as options when looking for places to live or visit.
Besides, on several occasions when I have used "River East" in a conversation with someone who was not from here they ask me what it means and that usually results in a conversation about all the great things that are here - a question they may not have asked if I said "East of the River" or "Southeast". For whatever reason those names just have a bad connotation and too many people are so ready to write off the entire area without really knowing about it. Therefore I say if "River East" can help people understand and appreciate "East of the River" isn't that a good thing? Hopefully after a while we can replace some of the misconceptions and negative perceptions with some positive reality.
Example: I prefer the term "black" as opposed to "African-American" but I don't get all up in arms if someone uses "African-American" instead of black. It's a personal preference not an attack on my blackness.
Yeah, East of the River automatically triggers the Anacostia River. For some reason, I still feel like name changing means we are running from the stigma of "Anacostia" which is a shame because Anacostia is a beautiful name with a rich history. When people ask where I live, I puff out my chest and still say Anacostia!
Post a Comment