Week 7

Social capital is the relationship between the people who live/work in an area and share values about how it should be, beneficial interactions; this includes giving out directions, picking up trash, and helping elderly. Community’s walkability is important in building social capital because it is how well a community interacts as a society. Social capital is beneficial for communities because it improves lower crimes, economic growth, higher education, and better health. My community makes it easy and difficult to support walkability. This is due to my neighborhood being surrounded by houses and just a calm environment. But the main streets tend to have high traffic and there are not many crosswalks to get to the other side. Harlem Avenue is a couple blocks from my house, which brings on a lot of traffic due to a highway being nearby and malls being nearby. These public spaces do make it easier to support walkability. (154)

Race and gender directly influence the ability to walk in the city, no matter the variation. For instance, a woman can not walk in the night without having to constantly worry about her safety. She has to bring safety weapons just in case, which shouldn’t even have to happen. Women from very young are taught to not walk alone, look around, constantly check behind them, and bring something to defend themselves. Women should be able to take a stroll and not have to worry so much about their safety because some people are cruel. Minorities tend to have more troubles when it comes to walking. They are more likely to be stopped by the cops than someone who is white. The readings just gave me a perspective that things have gotten better for some groups but there is still so much that needs to be done for others so that everyone can take a peaceful walk. Even if we have the ability to take a walk there are many factors that prevent it from being peaceful and enjoyable. (178)

Walking After Midnight: Women, Sex, and Public Space. Women are considered prostitutes when they were seen walking during the night.

This reinforces how women have not been able to take walks without being threatened.