Midrange Weekly March 22
Your Weekly Round Up On What’s Got The Midrange Staff’s Attention
Midrange Staff @midrangeyvr
Hello friends and welcome back to Midrange Weekly. With us firmly entrenched in Spring now, those of us living in Vancouver are surely bracing for the inevitable onslaught of cherry blossom pictures in our social media feeds. It’s gonna be intense. St Patrick’s Day has come and gone and if there is one silver lining to the pandemic it’s been sparing us the clusterfuck of going out that night two years in a row now. Take the wins where you can. As the world crawls its way back to normalcy we are once again faced with so many harsh realities of the times that predate the pandemic and persist in its waning days, so it’s been a tough a week out there for a lot of people. Let’s dig in and hopefully come up with something a little less maddening.
The Atlanta Mass Shooting Is the Inevitable Conclusion To A Year Of Anti Asian Racism. We Should All Be Furious
Elijah Nouvelage/AFP via Getty Images
There’s something unfathomably cruel in a karmic, universal sense that as America finally takes meaningful steps to resolve its pandemic crisis one of the first signs that a return to normalcy is at last within reach is mass shootings return to their regular scheduled frequency. This week yet another lone gunman with pathetically banal grievances and a legally obtained gun murdered 8 people at massage parlours in Atlanta, Georgia. 6 of them were Asian and many of them were sex workers. The specific dimensions of this shooting highlights the deleterious intersections between racism, misogyny and the frustratingly institutionalized sympathy for both that is ingrained into American law enforcement.
The common place parallels of the tragedy and the subsequent police response when compared to previous assaults are almost too egregious to read and not infer a crude and horrid attempt at parody to mock America’s myriad problems with policing, gun culture, minority rights and hostility towards sex workers. We don’t have all of the details yet but what we do know is Robert Aaron Long bought a gun legally in Georgia and less than a day later went on a shooting spree across three different Asian massage parlours in Cherokee County. A police chase ensued and the shooter was apprehended without injury or incident. Of course he was. Far from an existential threat of a black person with a possibly counterfeit bill, or a black person going for a jog, or a black person sleeping in her fucking bed, Long, a white man was taken into custody without so much as a scratch. How many times does the die have to be cast differently for white men than everyone else before it stops becoming anecdotal and starts being statistically normalized? I suspect we are long past that point.
If you were to listen to Cherokee County police captain Jay Baker’s press conference on the murders, you’d be led to believe that their was no racial dimension to the attacks because it involved shooting sex workers. Such a take is astonishing in its ineptitude and cruelty. The asian population of Georgia is approximately 4% and yet 75% of the victims were asian and all of the businesses attacked were asian owned and operated- the racial aspect is impossible to ignore. Furthermore, to argue that the motivating factor of the shooting being to target sex workers obviates a racial context completely ignores the underlying imagined grievances of white supremacy that is hostile to anything outside of their hetero-normative conservative orthodoxy. That includes sex workers, and that includes people who aren’t white. This is not complicated. Baker’s press conference was further muddied with racist dog whistles that are getting more and more explicit with each time something like this happens. Baker stated the shooter had a sex addiction he couldn’t handle and felt compelled to eliminate the temptation, as if that’s the appropriate to dynamic in which describe 8 people who are dead- temptations to be eliminated. Some of the women he shot were old enough to be grandparents so the libidinous argument doesn’t really hold up in the slightest. Baker also- unbelievably- went on to state that this was the result of Long just having a really bad day. The extent to which he not so subtly insists our sympathies should be with the shooter in any way is inexcusable and grounds for his dismal. This is the standardized tactic for laundering the image of white domestic terrorists within law enforcement. When they are black or brown or Asian- they are vile predators. When they are white, they are troubled souls that need our empathy. We all have bad days. We’ve had a year of bad days. 8 families in Georgia are living the worst days of their lives right now- this has not historically been grounds to allow for a murder spree.
My man had all night to prepare for this presser... https://t.co/3Ot26GirJi
— Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman) March 17, 2021
Much of the discourse on social media has been similarly repugnant, and of an unsurprisingly misogynistic variety. The notion that people being violently murdered at places of criminalized sex work is an argument for why sex work should be illegal has been lazily floated. This once again dehumanizes the victims, saying they somehow deserved it by operating outside the bounds of the law. Such a viewpoint is more depraved than anything likely going on at those parlours prior to the attacks. Furthermore, for all the incessant, mind numbing decrying of cancel culture whenever someone gets in a bit of trouble for being problematic, there’s been very little chatter from the same outraged people when an actual culture is literally under attack. All of this serves as a dark reminder of how a disgruntled mass murder’s motivations will be normalized before a person trying to make a decent wage in an economically depressed part of the country by doing nothing unethical beyond the stringent dogma of out-dated laws.
While I suggested at the top that this is occurring as America emerges from the year long vacuum of the COVID pandemic, it’s important to understand that this is at least partially a result of the recently exacerbated racist attacks on the Asian community that was born directly from the pandemic. Every politician that has casually and mockingly used terms like the ‘china virus’ or ‘kung flu’ bears some responsibility for what happened in Atlanta. There has been a steady and concerning uptick in hate crimes and attacks against Asians in America and Canada since the onset of the pandemic- most of them targeted towards women, and this appears to be the brutal crescendo. What’s most enraging about this is the sheer incoherence of anyone that would use such racist demagogy and claim that they are merely being factual. “The Coronavirus originated from China so what I said was accurate,” they would say when using the term ‘china virus’. But such a statement tacitly reveals another subliminal statement of alleged fact that is simply incorrect- that being; we don’t ever label viruses or diseases by their origin in colloquial language. That’s simply not how we do things. Not with H1N1, not with SARS, not with Swine Flu, not with Ebola. We would only do that if we specifically wanted to- if we wanted to be racist. Others might point to the Spanish Flu as a counter point but once again that does them no rhetorical favours. The Spanish Flu did not originate in Spain, the nickname stuck because it was the country that had the most reported deaths (which also ended up being a lie). If one wanted to reference the Spanish Flu as precedent in naming illnesses after a country, that specific logic would dictate we call COVID the America Virus. Such a dispersion seems a little redundant at this point when America, and most of its western cousins continue to be devastated by centuries of racism and misogyny that have arguably done just as much damage. -Tristan
The Falcon And The Winter Soldier Has Potential, But So Far Seems Undercooked
Fresh off of the conclusion of the surprisingly zeitgeist capturing WandaVision, we have the second entry into Disney Plus’ serialized Marvel stories. The next series, succinctly titled Falcon and The Winter Solider is so far, exactly that. Dealing with and casting a surprisingly sombre light on the day to day lives of Sam Wilson aka The Falcon (Anthony Mackie), and Bucky Barnes aka The Winter Solider (Sebastian Stan), the show endeavours to give us a detailed glimpse on what it’s like to actually be a so called Avenger. Everything from their financial stability (they don’t really get paid), to personal lives, to family issues is brought to the forefront to highlight that after the alien invasions are fought off, the heretical androids are disabled, and the dust is settled from Iron Man dusting Thanos, these people still just have to exist, as best they can.
Much of this seems like a noble endeavour however for all the ambition behind a more contemplative tone, what we have seen so far seems a little directionless; impressively atmospheric but so far in service of what appears to be not much, and awkwardly inserted thus far into the larger MCU gestalt. The question of could Barnes and Wilson, even in tandem, carry on the specifically partitioned aspects of a now departed Captain America’s story in the MCU has lingered over the development of the series since its announcement. While certainly not without their charm or intrigue, both characters were clearly always sidekicks in the ever growing Avengers menagerie. Of course exploring this question via a limited series on a streaming service could actually prove to be the ideal format to answer this question, but the time spent with the characters so far seems scattered and unfocused.
Our time spent with Wilson seems promising at first. Although the opening action shots- that seem adjacent to Bond style narratives in that none of the bombastic sequence appears to have any connection to anything else- feels immediately superfluous, it’s fun seeing that French terrorist from Captain America: The Winter Solider pop up again. Some of the early moments of nervous interiority within Wilson are really great, focusing on his anxiety that Steve Rogers would pick him off all people to carry on the symbolic and physical legacy of Captain America. He doesn’t feel like the shield should be his, even though Rogers gave it him specifically, well aware that sense of humility was integral to wield the shield responsibly and with moral clarity. That humbled sense of inferiority was paramount to why Rogers knew Wilson would eventually prove himself a worthy successor.
Don Cheadle reprising his role as James Rhode, aka War Machine was also a welcome inclusion in what was the best scene in the episode. Cheadle, with an impressively hushed and subtle restraint, gently pushes Wilson to understand the wisdom and necessity of Roger’s decision, while steering far clear of flat out saying it, understanding that Wilson has to reach that conclusion himself. The substance of Rhode’s rhetoric, indirect as it was, is really effective- that despite the ostensible synchronicity between Captain America and the country he fought far, Rogers was far more capable of choosing his successor, and would do so with appropriately ethical considerations, than the US government could ever be trusted to do. That Wilson is unable to reach that understanding so early in the story makes sense and it bites him later in the episode when he learns the government has basically invented a new Cap. This new one, with his ersatz visage, is much more acquiescent to America’s militaristic propaganda than Rogers would ever be, and they have given this interloper the shield. Hopefully this kick starts what I hope is a central thematic exploration of the show: the intersections of Wilson and the American people wondering if he is worthy to carry on the name of Captain America, and the moral and racial dimensions of this quandary. Would they not accept him because he is not as morally worthy as Rogers? Because he is not as strong? Because he is not as white? That’s going to be an ugly question to dive into for a Marvel show but it is undoubtedly its most vital narrative opportunity.
We don’t actually get too much of that though. Instead most of Wilson’s time is spent dealing with his family’s financial crisis. A struggling business, assets that need to be sold, and discordance among family members on what to do about it- that kind of stuff. While it is a neat little detail to establish that Wilson can’t get a bank loan due to him having no income for the last five years because he didn’t exist, this level of granularity feels mundane. It also seems like it’s not really going to go anywhere. The show has been billed as globe trotting adventure about stopping terrorists or whatever. I’m sceptical any of this family drama is actually going anywhere beyond a superficial attempt to humanize Wilson. As a result the actual parts that develop the criminal conspiracy that will serve as a narrative catalyst feels dreadfully anaemic. Most of the story telling heavy lifting is done by an awkwardly inserted side kick character that is far too chummy considering he came out of no where. Beyond that, some terrorists with a pretty bland take on ideological anarchy steal… something… and that’s it. Not every Marvel story has to scale up to world ending threats, but the part that will actually carry the story forward so far seems undercooked.
Barnes’ side of things also has promise but it is similarly unconvincing in its priorities. The idea of Barnes, who has a more likely claim to PTSD than any other hero in the MCU, working through things in therapy is great. Barnes hasn’t had much chance to showcase his personality previously but shades of a dry wit here are excellent. However, the focus shifts to him dealing with ramifications of befriending an elderly man in his neighbourhood who happens to be the grieving father of a person Barnes killed during his brainwashed days as the Winter Solider. While it again seems suspect to what extent this will carry over into later episodes, they give away the reveal right away. With his story barely even gaining momentum, we’ve already jumped towards the end of a narrative through line. It seems disjointed and incongruous.
While perhaps there is some kind of ironic merit that such matters of tormented rumination are even being critiqued in a Marvel show, none of this really feels like as advertised. The hype machine behind the series has been solely, almost obnoxiously focused on the ornery buddy cop dynamic of the show ala Lethal Weapon. The brief interactions of petty bickering between the two characters in previous films indicated a real shot at chemistry here but they don’t share a single scene together in episode one. It all seems like the show is spinning its wheels with gratuitous set up that may never even amount to much while neglecting what should be the nucleus of the show’s appeal. Surely this will all change in subsequent episodes. I still think this show has the potential to be good, but it hasn’t quite hit the ground running. -Tristan
Nothing Lasts Forever — What Tenants Of Vancouver’s False Creek South Need To Understand About Their Neighbourhood
This is a response to a recent feature from The Tyee titled, “Yet Another Housing Survey, for a City That Seems to Love Them.”
“False Creek South is one of Vancouver’s pioneering waterfront communities. It is a highly liveable and walkable inner-city neighbourhood with a unique mix of land uses, housing types and tenures, transportation options, urban character, and amenities.” — Vancouver.ca
There’s a certain amount of eeriness I found in reading this column in The Tyee on Friday as it was not just a day or two prior where I was discussing the peculiarities of said neighbourhood with my girlfriend. I’d remarked to her how I found it odd that one side of the seawall, the downtown side, was littered with sky high condo towers, while the other, False Creek South, was not. It baffled me why the city wasn’t exploring the possibilities of False Creek South as it clearly had with downtown. Friday’s Tyee op-ed by Daniela Elza answered many of my initial queries and then some, and with that, I find myself partly agreeing with her plea but also frustrated with her myopic view of how cities function. Here’s a bit of what she had to say.
From The Tyee:
False Creek South is different from most of Vancouver. The city owns 80 per cent of the land and has leased it for a variety of housing, including co-ops, non-profit or rental units. Those leases begin expiring in 2022, and residents fear loss of affordable housing options. It’s been nine years since the city said it would resolve damaging uncertainty about the leases. It still hasn’t.
I have lived in False Creek Co-op for close to 15 years, and it has done more for my housing security — as a single mom, part-time teacher and writer — than the city ever did.
I’ve had my fair share of housing experiences and know that housing design defines how you live your life, who you will or won’t connect with, and how it affects the memory of an entire city. I’ve lived in a rental unit in Richmond; I’ve owned a home in Maple Ridge, when my kids’ father’s commute into Vancouver meant that he left when they were asleep and came home when they were going to bed; and I’ve lived in a market rental unit in Vancouver, a block or so from where I currently live, a place we could barely afford and where the rent was raised the moment we vacated.
Putting False Creek South on the chopping block means I will either be homeless, not living in Vancouver at all, or living in some rat-infested, poorly kept basement. It is disappointing to keep discovering that your city does not have a vision for people who are vulnerable, and in lower income brackets — and that it has not learned anything in the last 50 years or so.
Now I get her plea. I’m a renter as well. Have been since I moved here back in 2009. I understand the stress of uncertainty that the home you’ve had for the past 15 years might not be around much longer. It’s a common theme for many who’ve struggled with the reality of life in this fast evolving city — that you might be uprooted one day, and if you’re a renter, it sucks.
I’ve signed numerous one year leases with apartment owners in the past decade only to have my home sold right under me just a few months later. Rising property values and speculation have fuelled a market which has left renters scrambling to stay afloat in a city with a vacancy rate of 2.6%.
It isn’t easy.
But part of being a resident of this beautiful city is accepting the truth — that it’s constantly evolving. Growing.
False Creek South is prime real estate. With some of the city’s most picturesque views. The land is currently underdeveloped for how it can be best used. Thousands more could live there. Hence why I was fascinated with the contrast of its opposing neighbour.
It should be developed. Daniela is crying NIMBY because she currently lives there. In doing so, she’s not seeing the bigger picture. Neighbourhoods evolve, change, they grow. It sucks at times when they do, but we must accept that. And if she and the people in her community cannot, then maybe they should send a letter to the rest of the world telling them not to move here. Because unless they do that, this city will continue to densify.
My first apartment in the Westend was $900. I’m sure it’s closer to $1500 today. In my current home in Chinatown, I pay $1900. The place I live in is newish. It was built in 2009. My rent isn’t cheap, but commensurate with an average for what Vancouver costs. It’s not ideal, but I accept the reality. There are cheaper options for sure, plenty of ground level suites I could opt for. However, I choose to live here and I accept that the owner of my suite has the right to sell whenever.
Will anyone care if the owner of my suite sells and I’m forced to find a new home? No. Just like everyone else whose been in the same predicament, I’ll have to suck it up and find a new spot, hopefully one I can afford or else I’ll have to decide a different option.
Daniela is right to worry. She might have to find a new home. She probably will. But she has time. I doubt anything will develop for at least 10 years, and even then, it’ll take another five or so to build anything new. The city owes it to her and the entire community to help them find similar housing if they do decide to redevelop. They’ve been there for so long, it only seems the right thing to do. The city also needs to allocate a certain amount of rental units per condo tower when they negotiate with developers. This is what Daniela and myself and everyone else who rents in this city should be clamouring for.
Good things are on the way for low income renters in this city, as I’ve detailed in past weeklies. But there’s plenty more to be done. Community is important as Daniela has detailed so emphatically in her essay. Maintaining that as much as possible, while balancing it with development has to be a priority for the city. But not developing some of the city’s best land is irresponsible. She should know this. - Jamie
FLUX FIVE
This Week:
Archie Bell and The Drells “Don’t Let Love Let You Down” 1976 Single
Alex Fox” La Cumparcita” 2015 Malaguena
Andy Shauf “Drink My Rivers” 2015 The Bearer Of Bad News
Isabelle Antena “Seaside Weekend” 1986 En Cavale
Artifacts“Wrong Side Of The Tracks” 1994 Between A Rock And A Hard Place
Enjoy! - Mick
Things From The Internet We Liked
Did My Best By Xenia Rubinos Is Brutally Sad
But also excellent! The new single by the Puerto Rican/ Cuban singer on Anti Records is a stunning and traumatic eulogy set to equally weathered electronica. The video is exceptional in its direction as well.
Modern Romance Is Getting Weird
Twitter Comedian Jamie Linn Watson captures the all too common morning after awkwardness that always occurs after sleeping over at a person’s place. This does happen to everyone, yes?
why does this happen every time i stay at a guy’s place 🤦🏼♀️ pic.twitter.com/ppxra5C99F
— jamie linn watson (@PB_andJamie) March 15, 2021
Exactly Why The Snyder Cut Is So Problematic
It’s not that it is an obnoxiously over indulgent mess of gratuitous slo mo, boring character work, and possibly the most offensively bad musical choices ever in a modern film- although that doesn’t help! It’s because what was originally a irrational conspiracy propagated by a toxic, violent, entitled fan base was marketed merely as enthusiasm and commitment. That reframing was then turned into profiteering and indulgence of the most virulent of online edge lords that continuously demand they are owed something. Vox has an excellent run down of why such conduct is dangerous, problematic, and unethical. Also, yes this movie still sucks so bad.