STRUCTURES CHANGE
In South Lake Union, the newly acquired Amazon corridor of downtown Seattle, you can capture the perfect view of the Seattle Spheres; a cluster of three glass spherical conservatories touting a 360-degree view of exotic gardens. This flora version of Noah’s Ark was built by billionaire and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. The public is allowed to access the spheres two Saturdays out of the month by reservation only. The rest of the time, Amazon employees can choose to work in the space if they wish to be closer to “nature.”
There are other Seattle landmarks that have since been torn down. Namely, the Seattle Kingdome, built in 1976 to bring major league sporting events to Seattle. The Aurora bridge was torn down last year after 87 years of thoroughfare. Several historic movie theaters are no longer, along with many other quirky Seattle spots.
Last year alone, eight of my favorite Seattle businesses closed their doors. This year, more restaurant chains, big retailers and small businesses have closed.
It would seem Amazon has taken over entirely.
Yet similar to the old structures built by rich men 50 to 100 years ago, in another 100 years, Jeff’s ventures will be obsolete. Structures change over time and so does the consolidation of money. Right now, Amazon is on top. It is possible they will be able to continue their reign for some time. Until…people change their minds and they will.
Some of us forget that people are fickle and only know their experience. Our youth for example, know of a few 80’s icons not from having experienced their creative work during that time, but from seeing them perform on “Dancing with the Stars.” Someday our youth will not recognize Jeff Bezos either.
Over time structures collapse, leaders die, and cities are rebuilt with a new vision. This is the inevitable rising and falling of societies we have witnessed for thousands of years.
Still it is in the masses hands to change their minds. To buy elsewhere. To give their money to some other company that provides the services they need. Amazon is at the mercy of its customers, just like every other company is and their customers are ever evolving. And as we watch some of the older structures from yester-year crumble because of Amazon, it is important to note another big guy will come along to disrupt.
-Andrea
