Pilsen: Immigrants today

 Our visit to Pilson is just a small representation of how immigration and immigrants are so important to the city culturally and economically. The Day of the Dead museum is a great example of how immigrants have come to the city and have brought their culture into our lives. The exhibit educated the city on their rituals, culture and beliefs. In addition to things such as The Day of the Dead, the area Pilson itself demonstrates their ability to bring their own culture into the city.

On majority of the buildings and stores the Spanish language was boldly placed throughout the neighborhood, along with several morals displaying their cultural beliefs. During earlier times this would never have been accepted because of the huge resistance on embracing the immigrant culture. English is no longer the primary and only language displayed throughout the city but in numerous neighborhoods Spanish is the primary language being displayed.

However this strong hold on their language and culture has hindered their abilities to make a smooth transition into city living and has also brought on resistance from city dwellers. The difference in the challenges recent immigrants face is not only their quest to hold on to their language and culture, is the change in the economy itself. Seeing as we are in such turmoil economically and there is a huge decline in jobs, no one wants to compete against immigrants who are willing to work for less wages. In addition, many people in a attempt to justify not wanting immigrants here begin to stereotype all immigrants as not being tax payers and taking all the available jobs for lower wages.

Although immigrants have been able to successfully bring their culture and language here, they are still faced with huge resistance.

Cabrini Green vs. Hull House Part 2.

As mentioned in my previous blog the Cabrini Green's and the Hull House had two completely different things to offer for the people however both were taken away in the same way. The Hull House began in 1889 because Jane Adam's wanted to have an establishment that would directly help families in need. The Hull House became a huge resource for immigrant families in their quest to live better lives and immerse themselves into the city life. The Hull House was no ordinary free housing, there were many people who directly work with everyone on a daily bases. The Hull House contained not only families in need but also the "case workers" lived there. This added a completely different dynamic because those who were there to help were able to directly see their struggles and pain, which allowed them to help them more effectively.

Although the Hull House was so effective and beneficial for all involved it was also torn down in the same manner as the Cabrini Green. To replace the Hull House, the University of Chicago wanted to expand their campus, while the Cabrini Green was replaced by nice low rises and dog parks. Neither the UIC or low rises were set in place to serve those whom lived the Hull House or the projects. Although the new buildings were esthetically pleasing for the city, the city failed to find ways to make this transition a benefit for the residents but instead made it a forced transition.

Although I agree that the Cabrini Green needed to be torn down, I do not feel the reasoning behind the destruction had much to do with bettering the residents. As for the Hull House being shut down and replaced by a campus, how in anyway could this have been helpful for those directly involved. What is the goal of the city, to better the people or to better the finances of those in charge?

Cabrini Green vs. Hull House

What intrigued me most about the Cabrini Greens and the Hull House was not the actual events that took place during there existence but understanding the reasons behind there demise. These two extremely different living spaces, were considered the homes of so many. Both were unconventional in the way these "homes" were used. While the Hull House was implemented to create better lives for immigrant families, the Cabrini Greens seemed to be used as a destruction of many lives, through the vast array of violence, drugs and over population.

The confusion I have is why a successful establishment that was used to help so many was destroyed in the same way as an establishment that was completely unsafe. Is the goal to create better living or to make things simply "look" like there is better living being achieved? We live in a society that is caught up on appearance rather than the people. Although the Cabrini Greens undoubtedly needed to be torn down, were the people living in these projects given fair treatment. When we took the visit to the area, of course the area looked better, safer and even seemed like a great place to live, but what happened to the thousands who considered this lifestyle home. What steps were taken to assure them a smooth transition into a different lifestyle of living. It was extremely interesting that the male who gave us the tour knew everything about the destruction of the building and the reconstruction but knew absolutely nothing about the ones this transition most affected.

While they seem to capitalize on fixing these horrible living conditions, did the residents really benefit from this reconstruction. It is interesting to hear about the plan for transformation and the transformation is only for the city as appose to those who need the real transformation. During this reconstruction of the Cabrini Green area those who lived there were simply sent to live in other housing situations not much better, if not worse. What transformation is gained when the people are still enduring unfortunate living conditions?

My next blog will be a continuance of this blog but another view, which is the Hull House and how even though the Hull House provided better living and opportunity for the people they were still shut down for no valid reason...