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.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
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?
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?
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
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...
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...
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
"The Pursuit of Happiness"
To often does society create this idealistic scenario of the life we could live if only we live a certain life. We must value education, live an upright life and be ambitious and the pursuit of happiness is guaranteed to be reached. However city life has its way of smothering all your goals and aspirations, while forcing you to live a life you never saw yourself indulging in. From our reading from last week the section that stuck out to me most was about the “charity girl.”
The charity girl was in many ways the poster child for what success looked like. She achieved further education, she obeyed the ten commandments, she even had ambition. However, the moment she chose Chicago as the place to pursue her music, all those things that made her destined for success dwindled as time went by. There was no personal connection with anyone, because the city is filled with millions of souls but no one seeks community within the city. She states “The city is like that. In all my work there had been the same lack of personal touch. In all this city of three million souls I knew no one, cared for on one, was cared for by no one.”
From the moment I moved into the city for Chicago Term, I have felt this disconnect from the rest of civilization. Everyone seems to be on a their own mission, with no time or want for anyone outside of the already known. One day while at Tailor Lofts I was curious on who the people were that I was living with in this ten floor building full of students that I only see in passing. At an attempt to get to know at least those on my floor, I went door to door to introduce myself and hopefully learn more about them. However, I was in a rude awakening because instead of running into welcoming faces, everyone seemed a little off balance for my audacity to even bother them with my introduction.
The city is so disconnected from establishing personable connections everyone puts themselves into solidarity. No one looks past their own situation or life because in the city no one else matters but self. Although the story of the “charity girl” was one of misfortune, it is not a rare occurrence unfortunately. For those who come into the city by themselves are at an great risk of being consumed by the selfishness of the city and will have a lesser shot at the pursuit of happiness.
The charity girl was in many ways the poster child for what success looked like. She achieved further education, she obeyed the ten commandments, she even had ambition. However, the moment she chose Chicago as the place to pursue her music, all those things that made her destined for success dwindled as time went by. There was no personal connection with anyone, because the city is filled with millions of souls but no one seeks community within the city. She states “The city is like that. In all my work there had been the same lack of personal touch. In all this city of three million souls I knew no one, cared for on one, was cared for by no one.”
From the moment I moved into the city for Chicago Term, I have felt this disconnect from the rest of civilization. Everyone seems to be on a their own mission, with no time or want for anyone outside of the already known. One day while at Tailor Lofts I was curious on who the people were that I was living with in this ten floor building full of students that I only see in passing. At an attempt to get to know at least those on my floor, I went door to door to introduce myself and hopefully learn more about them. However, I was in a rude awakening because instead of running into welcoming faces, everyone seemed a little off balance for my audacity to even bother them with my introduction.
The city is so disconnected from establishing personable connections everyone puts themselves into solidarity. No one looks past their own situation or life because in the city no one else matters but self. Although the story of the “charity girl” was one of misfortune, it is not a rare occurrence unfortunately. For those who come into the city by themselves are at an great risk of being consumed by the selfishness of the city and will have a lesser shot at the pursuit of happiness.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Make No Small Plans...
In early 1900’s Daniel Burnham had a vision for what he wanted Chicago to look like and the way it functioned. To demonstrate his vision he put together a detailed plan in his book titled Plan of Chicago. The plan was used to highlight the many issues within the city life and ways to create a place that people would actually want to live. On page 98 of his book he states, “At no period in its history has the city looked far enough ahead. The mistakes of the past should be warnings for the future. There can be no responsible fear lest any plans that may be adopted shall prove too broad or comprehensive.” This statement was extremely justifiable because just from the mere reality of how Chicago functions now as appose to those times, it took efficient planning. The more time and effort you put into something, the better chance of have a well functioning product. Although Burnham passed before his plan could go into effect, all the time that him and those who took over, allowed for most of his plan to go through.
However, Chicago is slowly moving away from Burnham’s plan for the city, which was to make it a place that people wanted to live. Due to Burnham’s focus on highways and railways, he lost focus of what people need most which is livable housing. Although he did a phenomenal job at making Chicago a beautiful place to visit, to live here is difficult for those who are not financially stable. For those without middle class and upper class finances you do not have much chose in where you live. Due this this inconvenience everyone is placed with their own race and class, creating this enormous segregation between those who reside in the city. Thus creating a solidarity between all Chicago residents, not allowing for much interaction with anyone outside your “community.”
Burnham states, “Time and again, the Plan maintains that terrible living conditions diminish the individual and, by extension, the entire city, and so should be of concern to the prosperous as well as the less fortunate.” Unless those of less fortune are soon taken into account when it comes to creating functional parks, livable housing, community etc, than in some 100 years the city will not be livable for even the fortunate. In order to make Chicago a place that everyone would want to live healthy and comfortably we must start with housing and create a better sense of community and less segregation.
However, Chicago is slowly moving away from Burnham’s plan for the city, which was to make it a place that people wanted to live. Due to Burnham’s focus on highways and railways, he lost focus of what people need most which is livable housing. Although he did a phenomenal job at making Chicago a beautiful place to visit, to live here is difficult for those who are not financially stable. For those without middle class and upper class finances you do not have much chose in where you live. Due this this inconvenience everyone is placed with their own race and class, creating this enormous segregation between those who reside in the city. Thus creating a solidarity between all Chicago residents, not allowing for much interaction with anyone outside your “community.”
Burnham states, “Time and again, the Plan maintains that terrible living conditions diminish the individual and, by extension, the entire city, and so should be of concern to the prosperous as well as the less fortunate.” Unless those of less fortune are soon taken into account when it comes to creating functional parks, livable housing, community etc, than in some 100 years the city will not be livable for even the fortunate. In order to make Chicago a place that everyone would want to live healthy and comfortably we must start with housing and create a better sense of community and less segregation.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
"Urbanism as a Way of Life"
Ever sense I moved into Tailor Lofts a month ago, I have found an intriguing difference in the city life as appose to Naperville suburban living. After reading “Urbanism as a Way of Life” by Louis Wirth, he puts city life into perspective through describing the distinctive “way of life” within these areas. Wirth breaks the city down into three categories that loosely defines the city. He proclaims that cities are relatively large in size and population. In addition dense and permanent settlement of heterogeneous individuals (unique people). Having experienced “city” living, I do agree with Wirth’s perception of urban living. The city is much larger in size in comparison to suburbs and rural areas. Cities are also extremely dense, the entire city is structured in a compacted way. Within these compacted neighborhoods, there is extreme versatility amongst the people who live within these cities. Although each of these characteristics do still apply in contemporary society, there are a vast array of additional elements that constitute a city.
One of the significant variables that are associated with city living that we spoke about in class is “spatial structure.” Spatial structure has to do with the extreme difference within city neighborhoods. In cities you can travel a mere block and encounter complete difference rather it is a difference in race, violence, sexuality etc. In suburban areas such as Naperville if you travel a block or a mile there is not much variance in what you will witness. This aspect of city life fascinates me, because its hundreds of mini cities within one large city.
In addition to the spatial structure being a feature of city living, Wirth also failed to highlight the fast paced nature of city living. In cities everything moves at a much faster pace, from the people, to the vehicles. It was interesting walking downtown during our class on Wednesday. The entire time the environment was extremely fast pace, regardless if we were in someone’s way, their pace remained the same, even if it meant bumping into us or in a fast pace migrating around us. The moment those lights turn green, there wasn’t much caution in their pursuit, they speed away within the very second of seeing a green light.
I also believe the media plays a huge role in structuring city living. The media gives city different exposure than suburbs and rural areas. The media has created a certain perception of what city living entails. Overall, city life versus suburban or rural living is not just one element but all these different features create this idea of what a city really is.
One of the significant variables that are associated with city living that we spoke about in class is “spatial structure.” Spatial structure has to do with the extreme difference within city neighborhoods. In cities you can travel a mere block and encounter complete difference rather it is a difference in race, violence, sexuality etc. In suburban areas such as Naperville if you travel a block or a mile there is not much variance in what you will witness. This aspect of city life fascinates me, because its hundreds of mini cities within one large city.
In addition to the spatial structure being a feature of city living, Wirth also failed to highlight the fast paced nature of city living. In cities everything moves at a much faster pace, from the people, to the vehicles. It was interesting walking downtown during our class on Wednesday. The entire time the environment was extremely fast pace, regardless if we were in someone’s way, their pace remained the same, even if it meant bumping into us or in a fast pace migrating around us. The moment those lights turn green, there wasn’t much caution in their pursuit, they speed away within the very second of seeing a green light.
I also believe the media plays a huge role in structuring city living. The media gives city different exposure than suburbs and rural areas. The media has created a certain perception of what city living entails. Overall, city life versus suburban or rural living is not just one element but all these different features create this idea of what a city really is.
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