Maps and Cities
Krygier and Wood define a map as being a symbol of the features of a geographic location. It is a propositional statement of what the spatial distribution of a place is. A map is related to the world it predicts by using tools such as keys and symbols to relay the actualities of a place, therefore enabling people to better understand and interact with their surroundings as they use the smaller scale of a map to learn about their larger environment. The Folded Map project that connects residents of the North and South sides of Chicago and shows how urban segregation is prominent throughout the city grants me a better understanding of the scope of diverse communities and neighborhoods throughout the city and how they interact with one another. I realized how important it is for everyone in different neighborhoods to interact with one another and be more inclusive, as it would lead to more integration and understanding. The reason we make maps is due to them being needed in order for residents, tourists, or those who are simply studying an area to gain a better understanding of factors such as socioeconomics, political views, etc. It can be a political aspect because it can show percentage-wise the opinions of the residents of the area, thus giving a good idea of the overall opinion of that location and being used in understanding a region’s politics. The readings of this week tie in with previous ones because they show how the topics discussed before, an example being policing done to black people, is distributed throughout Chicago, in order to enable a better understanding of where it happens. (275)
It is important for walkers to see themselves as citizens in order for them to be connected with the area they are walking in and seeing themselves as part of the community. The public space of an area is for the utilization of its citizens first and foremost, and citizens walking in it shows how they are utilizing the public space provided to them in their community. Being a citizen means being a member of the community you live in and utilizing amenities and public spaces to benefit yourself and give back to the community as well. Walking makes me feel like a resident and citizen of Chicago because it makes me become a part of of the mass of individuals walking through the streets of the city and bringing about mutual benefit, as I am benefitted by having the public spaces to walk in and benefiting the community by frequenting restaurants and shops. However, race and gender might mean different experiences for different individuals, as some are at less of an advantage than others because of the world we live in. Women and nonwhite people oftentimes have a higher threat to their safety when walking outside in comparison to men and white or white-passing individuals. The social capital of a community is the relationship the residents have with each other and their surroundings that in turn benefits the society. The walkability of a city increases its social capital because it allows more people to interact with what is around them and benefits the safety and economy of the society as a result. I walked along Michigan Avenue, walking towards the John Hancock center and all the stores there and I could not help but notice how there were so many people, all different from one another. There were people walking in groups as families and friends, there were individuals and professional attire, and there were those who were homeless. It amazed me how everyone was utilizing the same public space but for different reasons, and their interactions and experiences were all different as a result. (268)
