Knihobot

Sean Dinces

    Bulls Markets
    • 2022

      Bulls Markets

      Chicago's Basketball Business and the New Inequality

      The 1990s marked a golden era for the Chicago Bulls, highlighted by historic championships and legends like Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan. In response, city, county, and state officials collaborated with team owners to construct the United Center, a new venue symbolizing the team's global identity with Chicago. However, "Bulls Markets" provides an unflinching examination of the economic and political decisions that transformed the city, often for the worse. Sean Dinces reveals how the arena's construction underscores the flaws of neoliberal urban development. The project was promoted with promises of private funding and revitalization for a long-neglected neighborhood. In reality, it relied heavily on municipal tax breaks that were largely unknown to ordinary citizens, exacerbating issues of gentrification and wealth inequality. Dinces paints a stark picture of the United Center's construction and the urban landscape it shaped, illustrating a troubling trend in contemporary American cities: the collusion between governments and sports franchises to create amenities for the affluent, often at the expense of poorer residents. This dynamic not only diminishes the experiences of everyday fans but also fosters an urban environment that prioritizes the comfort and security of the wealthy elite, while marginalizing the less fortunate.

      Bulls Markets