Exploring how the upcoming Olympics in Seine-Saint-Denis can change the area's negative reputation, improve its economy, and attract tourism. Discovering the historical significance of the Cathedral Basilica of Santini and hopes for increased visitors. Discussing the economic challenges faced by a disadvantaged department in France while preparing for the Olympics and the excitement for the event. Exploring the reputation and stereotypes surrounding the town of Saint Sandini, including its thriving art scene. Examining the potential impact of the Olympics in changing the image of the Paris suburbs, including innovative approaches like an AI program and sending real postcards.
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Quick takeaways
Hosting the Olympics can help change the negative image and revitalize the economy of a disadvantaged area like Seine-Saint-Denis.
Improving infrastructure, public transport, and challenging negative stereotypes are crucial for transforming Seine-Saint-Denis into a vibrant and welcoming place.
Deep dives
Sense Sandini's Hope for Reputation Transformation through the Olympics
Sense Sandini, a suburb near Paris with a reputation for poverty, crime, and insecurity, hopes that hosting the Olympics will help change its image and revitalize its economy. Despite the negative perception, the area is also known for its thriving art scene and creative initiatives. Largier Paris, a web magazine promoting greater Paris, highlights the need for a shift in perspective from seeing Paris as a compact city to a larger region that includes suburbs like Sense Sandini. The Olympics are expected to bring in significant revenue and attract millions of visitors, offering an opportunity to showcase the positive aspects of the area.
Infrastructure Improvements and Economic Potential
The upcoming Olympics have spurred infrastructure improvements in Sense Sandini, such as the construction of an underground rail hub and the expansion of cycle lanes. Public transport has also been enhanced, benefiting both residents and visitors. Private business, like advertising agency BETC, has played a crucial role in shaping the perception of Sense Sandini. BETC's campaigns for a taxi company emphasized the willingness of drivers to serve the suburbs, challenging negative stereotypes. These improvements and efforts aim to bridge the gap between the center and periphery, transforming Sense Sandini into a vibrant and welcoming place.
The Power of Perspective and Overcoming Stereotypes
Sense Sandini's residents and supporters believe that a change in perspective is key to changing the area's reputation. They acknowledge the challenges and social issues present but emphasize that these exist everywhere, not solely in Sense Sandini. The Olympics provide an opportunity for the world to see the positive aspects of the area, such as its rich cultural heritage, thriving art scene, and warm hospitality. By challenging stereotypes and showcasing the diverse and vibrant aspects of Sense Sandini, the hope is to reshape perceptions and create a more balanced and accurate understanding of the suburb.
We’re in the Paris suburb of Seine -Saint-Denis which will host most of the games this summer.
It’s an area with some of the highest levels of poverty in the whole of France, and a bad reputation.
In the minds of most French people, the area conjures up images of drugs, crime and riots.
Locals say that reputation is unfair – and they’re hoping the investment of the games, and a place on the world stage, goes some way to changing that. But can it?
Presented and produced by John Laurenson
(Image: Inside the Aquatic Olympic Center (CAO). It will host artistic swimming, diving and water-polo. Credit: Getty Images)
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