Other Dogtowns
A novel called ‘The Last Days of Dogtown’ takes place in yet another Dogtown only in Massachusetts. The town was abandoned after the war of 1812. People with families moved to the coast. Those without families stayed behind. These included misfits, freed slaves, and widows. Lonely women kept dogs for protection and companionship. The dogs also formed their own families. It’s a good book.
There are other Dogtowns, too. Santa Monica was Dogtown at one time. There is a Dogtown in St. Louis, Missouri. Alabama has a Dogtown, but it would almost have to since it is Alabama. And Dogtown, North Little Rock now insists on being called “Argenta Arts District”. Because Dogtown does not sound as classy and upwardly mobile as the AAD. Why do people who identify with art and artists have to be pretentious? Why do they think that they are somehow more special? What is wrong with artists and/or artwork living and being displayed in a place called Dogtown?
It’s usually not the artist who is a snob. It is the people who hang on and flock to the artist. Probably because they are wannabes and wannabes are insecure because they are talentless. This is how opera was ruined. Opera was for the people. They ate there and drank there. They interacted with the show stars and then came the monied class and took it for themselves. It’s a shame. And I’m not against money. More people should make more money. I just don’t like any kind of snobbery associated with money. Sorry for the rant.
For the record, I did not see any dogs in Dogtown.
The Flying Saucer in Little Rock
We ate at the Flying Saucer and walked home in the rain.
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