Blogging Social Difference in LA: Week 3

Reply to Antonio Figueroa:

http://afigueroageography151.blogspot.com/2012/10/social-difference-in-l.html

Tony discusses his exploration of Korea Town - eating Korean BBQ, walking, and driving around the area. He describes the unity he saw within the people and businesses, and how they worked together to help each other out.

I too sometimes venture to Korea Town for BCD Tofu House, KBBQ, Miss Coffee, Boiling Crab, or other cafes for desserts! I completely agree with Tony's post and how Korea Town is a densely populated yet surprisingly united area of Los Angeles. It probably has the most cooperation and pride than any other place in LA I've heard of - and is commonly known for their food and nightlife (karaoke, bars, etc). 

However, I feel like Korea Town may still be a primitive society in some ways, as it displays aspects of mechanical solidarity. Although people and jobs are differentiated, these jobs are still in the same genre (they don't span as widely as sky scrapers and businesses to agriculture for instance). Those that live or work in Korea Town share similar lifestyles, backgrounds, culture, as well as religion. They come together due to similarities and therefore feel comfortable being surrounded by what is familiar - especially after emmigrating from their home country. I feel as if this area will eventually spread out and differentiate someday; Durkheim predicted that with increasing density comes competition and later differentiation to succeed. If Korea Town is so united and almost primitive, it may not remain that way for long - especially if immigration rates decrease and generations move to other areas.

As Tony writes, "You might ask yourself why is it that in ktown, all of the businesses seem so united, for example, in the galleria. Businesses share spaces with each other and help each other out. They are competing but they also know that they could possibly use each other for the future." Based on this description, I wonder what would happen if density were to increase, the economy worsen, and competition become vital to the survival of businesses. Would they continue to unite and help each other? At some point these similar venues (nightlife, food, cafes, markets) must step up their competition or branch off into other areas. Without further differentiation, businesses would have less chance of survival, as well as less unity. 

So my main thought is, will this unity and close knit aspect of Korea Town last? How much can it undergo? How far can mechanical solidarity go until it must merge to organic solidarity?