elpais.com
Alicante's Oldest Bookstore Faces Eviction for Tourist Apartments
Alicante's oldest bookstore, "80 Mundos," faces eviction to make way for tourist apartments, prompting public outrage and highlighting a broader conflict between tourism and cultural preservation in the city.
- What is the immediate impact of the eviction of "80 Mundos" bookstore on its operations and the cultural landscape of Alicante?
- In Alicante, Spain, the oldest bookstore, "80 Mundos," faces eviction due to its building's sale to a Madrid company, Lupiale, SL, which plans to convert the space into tourist apartments. This impacts the bookstore's two-month timeframe for relocation, jeopardizing its upcoming textbook sales and operations.
- How does the eviction of "80 Mundos" exemplify the broader tension between tourism development and cultural preservation in Alicante?
- The eviction of "80 Mundos" reflects a broader trend in Alicante, where 53 apartment blocks have been registered for tourist use since 2023, exceeding hotel capacity and highlighting the city's prioritization of tourism over cultural preservation. The bookstore's eviction underscores the conflict between preserving cultural institutions and the rapid expansion of the tourism sector.
- What are the potential long-term consequences of the "80 Mundos" eviction for Alicante's cultural scene and the balance between tourism and community needs?
- The forced relocation of "80 Mundos" may trigger a domino effect, displacing other cultural establishments and diminishing Alicante's unique identity. The incident spotlights the urgent need for local policies to balance economic growth with the protection of cultural heritage and community needs. The public outcry and ministerial support suggest a potential shift in the city's approach to tourism development.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative strongly emphasizes the negative consequences of the eviction, portraying the bookstore owners as victims and the new owners as antagonists. The headline (assuming a headline similar to the article's opening sentence) and the frequent use of emotionally charged words like "indignación" (indignation), "rabia" (rage), and "golpe duro" (hard blow) contribute to this framing.
Language Bias
The article employs emotionally charged language, such as "rabia" (rage), "golpe duro" (hard blow), and phrases like "así, sin más" (just like that), to evoke strong negative emotions from the reader. This creates a biased tone against the new owners and the development of tourist apartments. More neutral language could be used, such as 'disappointment,' 'difficult situation,' and 'unfortunate circumstances'.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the negative impact of the eviction on the bookstore and its community, but it omits details about the financial situation of the building's owners or the potential benefits the new tourist apartments might bring to the local economy. It also doesn't explore alternative solutions the bookstore might pursue beyond relocation, such as crowdfunding or seeking alternative funding.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy between preserving cultural spaces and promoting tourism. It implies that these are mutually exclusive, ignoring the possibility of finding a balance or alternative solutions that could benefit both.
Sustainable Development Goals
The closure of 80 Mundos, a cultural landmark, due to conversion into tourist apartments exemplifies the negative impact of uncontrolled tourism on the preservation of cultural heritage and community spaces within cities. The displacement of a long-standing business and the potential loss of community gathering places directly contradicts efforts to build sustainable and inclusive cities.