Real (e)state
These very expensive new builds next to the river in one of Cambridge's more deprived areas (a relative term compared to other cities....) made the news because someone graffitied them in (apparently incorrect) Latin, writing something like 'local homes for local people'. It's a phrase akin to 'make Britain great again' in its applicability. It doesn't express much other than frustration at the wealth and opportunities of others, and if those are outsiders, the anger seems to be heightened.
Having recently bought a new build flat nearby, less expensive but still criminal for what it is, do I count as a 'local person'? Are they mainly against huge property companies and investors or simply anyone non-Cambridge born who has managed to claw onto the property ladder and who they perceive to be partaking in the housing market that remains out of reach for them? If so, I'm guilty.
Politically we have seen a lot of bitterness and opposition to the status quo in this country. Where anger should appropriately be directed to government policy on housing, welfare or fair allocation of resources countrywide, instead it plays out in events such as the Brexit vote and anti-immigrant hostility. It's great to be demonstrable about feelings towards government, otherwise changes won't happen, but in this case if affordable housing is the issue, there must be parallel dialogue with local politicians. This is a useful initial eye-catching act.
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