Because of rising gentrification, the anti-tech crowd seem to be increasing their tensions with Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG). In addition, Google Glass seems to be one of the main points of contention. This is especially true in San Francisco, which is quickly being labeled the “New Silicon Valley.”
Attacks, against people wearing Google Glass, has risen. Why? Well, people who feel personally affected by tech companies such as Google and Twitter (NYSE:TWTR) and more see it as a pretentious display of wealth against those who feel left in the dust. At an average of $1,500 a pair, it certainly isn’t a price to sneeze at. Also, some feel the technology is invasive.
In fact, Kyle Russell (a Business Insider reporter) went out to cover the protest. He was wearing Google Glass eyewear, although he was not using it. All of a sudden, someone snatched it off of his face and yelled, “Glass!” Next, Russell ran after the woman who attempted to swing at him. In the end, the eyewear was smashed.
Many protesters and San Francisco residents have mounted multiple complaints asserting that the rise of highly-paid tech workers have driven up rents so much that it has forced large numbers of people out, in addition to ridding the city’s eccentric character. Unfortunately, this is a problem causing violence to individual employees, who are now being targeted.
To date, this is a local problem. Some of the complaints do raise concerns about gentrification. On the other hand, violence is not the answer and only makes it worse. Hopefully the saying “As California goes, so goes the nation” will not ring true in this particular circumstance.