Gentrificación? We know her

Abstract

This article responds to Ben Gerlofs and Ernesto López Morales’ article, “¿Quién es gentrificación (‘who is gentrificación’)?” It explores the term “blanqueamiento,” which emerged from Mexico City housing activism, highlighting its ability to reveal the interlaced racism, corruption, and cultural erasure in urban transformation. The response discusses how “gentrificación nos queda corto” (“gentrification falls short”) and the necessity of new terms like “blanqueamiento” to address the complexities of urban development. By examining local discourses and the role of scholars, activists, and journalists, the paper underscores the importance of diverse terminologies in advancing urban spatial justice. It argues that while “gentrification” has facilitated global conversations, terms like “blanqueamiento” are crucial for highlighting different aspects of the process, thereby advancing efforts to dismantle structures of inequality and envision more just urban futures.