Small Distance, Big Issue

Small Distance, Big Issue

Miami is a city that has been defined and created by outsiders. Flashy cars, plastic surgery, and bored housewives with too much money has become the image that locals are trying to uphold. Although many study the scene and people on South Beach, these efforts can be clearly seen in two separate areas, far from the tourist filled beaches over the bridge. Miami is split up into different neighborhoods, or burrows if you will. For example, Coconut Grove and South Miami. Both of these areas are hosts to festivals throughout the year, popular restaurants and bars and great shopping. Despite the numerous similarities and short distance between the Grove and South Miami, the significant differences can be viewed as a symbol of the image that Miami has been given and tries to uphold, versus what Miami truly embodies as a diverse city.  

South Miami is centrally located in Pinecrest. There are many private schools surrounding this area. In the afternoon on any given day you will find teenagers in uniforms carrying designer hand bags, roaming around, shopping or getting their hair and nails done. Not too far behind them you will see the typical "South Miami Mom". A breed of woman that is lucky enough to have married rich and not have many interests other than going to the gym and shopping. Her appearance is of the utmost importance. She can be spotted in her sports car, wearing gym clothes, a designer hand bag, diamond earrings, and the trendiest pair of sunglasses. This area is filled with arguably the most popular boutiques in Miami. 

  The Grove is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Miami. On any given Sunday you will see families walking around or grabbing brunch at Greenstreet Cafe. Because of its close proximity to real estate and its historical small town feel, the Grove attracts all kinds of people. Rather than targeting one demographic like South Miami tends to do, the Grove appeals to all because of its variety. This appeal to a variety of people is similar to that of Miami. Miami is known for being a melting pot; the Grove is proof of that. You can find a small store dedicated to Tarot card readings, a local bookstore and even a consignment shop. On the same street you will come across high end boutiques, restaurants and art galleries. The Grove at night, especially on certain nights is completely loyal to college life. The same place where that family was having brunch turns into a cool lounge. Restaurants close and become busy bars. Many use the Grove as a pre-game before heading off to a club in South beach. However, there is a clear divide in this area, much like there is throughout the city of Miami. On one street you will find the most popular cafe and on the next you will find a neighborhood that is notorious for drugs and shootings. This divide was created by the citizens and has been that way for decades. 

The image that Miami has been given, although it does exist, was created by outsiders for their entertainment and personal gain. However, it is clear that some citizens are constantly trying to attain this ideal. South Miami is a clear example of how the effects of this ideal have surpassed South Beach. The Grove, in a sense, represents what Miami really is. A city full of diversity, but still divided. The small distance, but huge difference between these two areas illustrates the social issues that this great city has to overcome.