I'm generally against unflattering metallic bodysuits

So, an AA* is supposed to be moving in in my neighborhood, a just a few blocks away. And people are pissed.

There are many conflicting issues involved. Arguments against allowing AA to open, ranging from the earnest to the patently absurd:

- having a chain retailer move into the "Valencia corridor" mars the (independent, locally-owned) character of the area
- though AA may not be "that bad" as far as chain retailers go, allowing one into the neighborhood establishes a beachhead for other, more corporate chains
- AA will bring tourists and other "undesirables (heh) into the neighborhood
- Dov Charney is an icky, icky man whose sad, misguided existence is a blight on humanity, and we should not support his porny, union-busting company
- AA is not a "considerate neighbor"; they often play loud music, which is likely to bleed into the ATA space and conflict with film screenings
- "The bright lights at AA hurt my eyes coming home from the bars." (http://twitter.com/mawkus/)

Arguments for allowing AA to open:

- it will bring tourists/shoppers to the neighborhood, who will also shop at other nearby stores
- empty storefronts hurt the entire neighborhood, so any tenant is better than no tenant
- the Mission already houses plenty of chain stores - mostly on (un-hipster) Mission Street
- AA will employ local residents to staff the store
- really, hipsters opposing American Apparel? Irony alert!

So, do I want an American Apparel on my street? No. Do I think that I should have the right to have my personal feelings on the matter prevent a business from opening and operating? In the end, probably not. As much as it annoys me, I think I'm going to have to quash my distaste for the company and the store, and use the power that I do have by not shopping there.

Some good thoughts here:

- Mission Anti-Displacement Coalition
- Mission Mission (NSFW)


*not that AA, silly. The other one.