The Right to the City

Daisy Gonzalez
CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies
URB: 200 – Social Justice and the City
Prof. K. Attoh
2/22/2023

Introduction
The readings from David Harvey discuss the conception of rights, and the right to the city and it attempt to develop a common ground definition of the concept. While identifying an individual’s desire for their city, it is important to understand that it is vital to work together towards a better future. The need to reshape what has already been done, to restore what has already been lost, for example, the individual’s right to freedom and the power to transform the city. It takes a combination of effort and social power to redefine rights and freedoms as Harvey argues, it is not an individual right (Harvey, 2009, p.48)
Discussion
Defining a just city is beyond just an urban concept, it is a variation of innovative ideas put into action collectively to make a difference. As the city changes, so does society and that is part of social evolution. For instance, the social issues from 50 years ago are totally different in the present day. Therefore, the needs of society change with time and they must be addressed differently, as we should rethink our approaches (Harvey, 2009, p.49).
Are we all given the same opportunity to participate in reshaping the city? For example, those communities who are being neglected and displaced by gentrification or those whose immigration statuses exclude them from certain policies. This is hard to accomplish, and like Harvey says this is not an individual fight, we need to change how we think if we want to change where we live.
Conclusion
In my opinion, everyone should be provided the same resources and equipped with the same kind of privilege to make changes. It should be for all social classes, ethnic backgrounds, immigrant status, youth, and seniors and for everyone committed to working towards a democratic society. A city where all people are given the power to shape the decisions on the issues that affect our lives. We can demand a right to the city now, but we need to have a vision and have an inclusive city where everyone is represented. Capitalism is responsible for causing a gap between the wealthy and the poor, which has been the problem still this day. It was interesting to read about the urbanization of China (Harvey, 2008, p.29) in which huge a development of infrastructure took over the cement supplies affecting other projects like the creation of highways.
I believe that capitalism is about producing surplus value, to find profitable areas for capital surplus production, the problem to me is that only the wealthiest benefit from it. We live in a time where the idea of human rights and social justice has moved to be the focal point of many political campaigns. For example immigration and housing issues are often used by politicians during election times, but are they really invested in finding a solution for all and not just the wealthiest group? Some with the right intentions and some with the sole intention of benefiting or running their own agenda. This to me is politics as usual, and it will continue.

References

1. Harvey, D and Potter, C (2009) “The Right to the Just City” in Marcuse, Connolly, Novy,Olivio, Potter and Steil (eds.)Searching for the Just City: Debates in urban theory andpractice. New York NY: Routledge 40-52.
2. Harvey, D (2008)“The Right to the City ”New Left Review (September-October) 53.

Homelessness

Daisy Gonzalez

CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies

URB: 200 – Social Justice and the City

Prof. K. Attoh

2/22/2023 

Introduction

The subject of homelessness is a broad topic with many different opinions and views, is it by choice? Is it a result of government negligence? The readings in my opinion, have one thing in common and is that we have too many people living in the streets and shelters and this needs to be addressed. Some of us may think of solutions, and somehow disagree about how to tackle this issue but one thing that we can all agree on is there is no one size fits all solution and that solving homelessness will be a collaborative effort.  (Harvey, 2009, p.48)

Discussion

This week’s readings were interesting, the reading Homelessness, American Style stated “Homelessness is argued to be a characteristic of persons rather than a condition of society” (Mitchell, 2013, p.936). I believe it is both. Some people willingly choose to live free and others do not. Homelessness is also a condition of society, for example, mental & physical health, housing crisis, and employment crisis among others. How we think about homeless changes over times and will continue to change as society evolves.

Interesting as well, was the Food Not Bombs reading This group believes that the problem of homelessness is caused by policies in place, and government negligence (McHenry, 2015, p.19).  This organization’s goal is to spread a message, feed the hungry and at the same time to educate the public that while the government spends money on military, and wars related debts, people go hungry. They criticize the food system, and the military for their social priorities. The organization faced violence against them while being in the street giving food, being in the street sends a message that challenges the system by highlighting injustice. For them, the issue of homelessness was directly related to militarism and consumerism.

The final reading Homeless Vehicle Project attempted to address what can be done for homeless individuals who seek to live independently on the streets (Lauren, 199, p. 55). Their proposed solution to me was a bit unconventional, originally designed to provide a space to sleep and can store bottles and cans. This multi-purpose vehicle although innovative I found it to be not practical at all, for example, how will it be lugged around in the snow, storage capacity, or be repaired? Definitely an idea that it will remain as that in my opinion. Because I don’t see this happening nowhere in the near future.

                                                            Conclusion

I believe that there is an issue with the distribution of resources, the economy can’t get level with today’s prices of food, for example not too long the prices of eggs were ten dollars per dozen (Thomas, 2023). The cost of food in general has increased tremendously, and that can affect the lack of affordability causing people to suffer even more.  We might not ever find a solution to completely solve homelessness, but we can push for better housing policies that can allow cities to control and determine which policy fits their very specific need.  It is important to recognize that this is a complex problem and consists of many causes, mental health is top priority.

In my very own opinion, I agree that we should invest in housing, offer mental health solutions, and find ways to integrate them into society. However, I do disagree with the class discussions that the homeless have the right to be on the trains and some may condone the people who doesn’t like to see them there. I believe that they don’t have the right to be on the subway, where I have to pay a fee and occupy space that it is designed for fare payers. Furthermore, they don’t have the right to pose a threat to commuters and it is not fair for the people that do pay to  feel unsafe on the trains. I don’t feel comfortable having my kids or myself traveling in the subway.   

I fully support the coordination of homelessness preventive services and facilitate assistance to those in need. For instance, housing assistance, mental substance abuse services, employment, health, and social services.  Housing alone is not the solution, there is a need to provide these people autonomy to take control of their life and function in society. Changes in policies and distribution of resources need to happen if we want to progress as a society.

References

1. McHenry Keith (2015)Hungry for Peace: How you can help end poverty and war withFood not Bombs. Tuscan AZ: Sen Press

• Mitchell, D (2013)“Homelessness, American Style.”Urban Geography32(7): 933-956.

• Lurie, D and Wodizco, K, (1988) The Homeless Vehicle Project,October47 (Winter) 53-67

• Thomas, Patrick. “Egg Prices Have Soared over the Past Year. Here Is Why They Are so Expensive.” The Wall Street Journal, Dow Jones & Company, 16 Feb. 2023, www.wsj.com/articles/egg-prices-shortage-avian-flu-11673629381.