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Macon

The idea of transforming Second Street downtown into a local park seems like a good one.  It will stimulate growth and encourage local business.  As well, transform the Macon area giving it a newer more modern look, while keeping the historic monuments in place. There are some problems to the plan, however. Roger Wilson of Wilson electric Company has been running a family owned business that established in the mid 1900’s. Mr. Wilsons Company is located on one of the corners where the park is desired to be. The Mayor of Macon plans to pay Wilson for the property, so he can begin demolishing the area to input a park.  In order for the mayors vision to be accomplished Mr. Wilsons Company will have to be relocated.

 The plans and ideas for the park have incorporated some ideals of New Urbanism.  Such as having places that utilize dynamic environment and putting things to human scale not vehicle scale.  A hotel is planned to be placed in the immediate surrounding of the future park. As taken from hotel-online the hotel will “include at least one hotel with about 120 rooms, apartments with 120-140 units, retail shops, a restaurant and a multi-level parking garage with about 575 spaces”. This will create an atmosphere people will feel comfortable in and encourage community interaction. The space will also be utilized fully; having everything, a person needs at a walking distance away. From the PowerPoint maconbibb, discusses how the city desires a place that is “Walkable and bicycle friendly, not auto centric”.  The idea is to go by the motto “Work, live, play”.  In communities that are highly desirable this motto is at the core of the area.  Encouraging people to stay out of cars and to have full accessibility to needs.

If I were commissioner, I would vote to use eminent domain over Mr. Wilson’s electric company.  I believe that Mr. Wilson should take compensation for his business to be relocated, in order to fulfill the park plan. One business sacrifice will spark newer broader business’s to be created or a recreation of the already existing ones. All for the greater good of Macon.

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Village Green

The story of Village green is an interesting one and has problems many communities are facing. Village Green is a community in Macon struck by neglected housing and blight stricken areas.  Frank Austin aims at changing that. Frank Austin, who is the founder of the Austin Center, built a center in the Village Green community to help the surrounding Macon area.  The Austin center has done just that by encouraging neighbors and others to partake in neighborhood clean ups, cut-overgrown trees and grass, and fix broken homes.

The Macon community being proactive is great for making things happen.  Charles Coney the assistant county manager states it best “Don’t wait on the city to do it,” he said. “Because if we wait for the city, it will be a while for it to come back.” Why wait for help when you can help yourself.  Coney also says, “If you are a resident of a distressed community, he said, go ahead and mow that empty lot next door.”  Inspiration within the community is what helps keep a community strong.

If your park is plagued by gang activity and low supervision.  I would say to add more lights to the park but that seems too expensive for an already scarce budget.  Maybe changing the already existing lights to a more updated type can be beneficial.  People will not do as much harm to the community if the area is well lit.  Their mischievous deeds and all their actions will be in the open.  Kids need a place to play and they are the future for society. They do not need to see the negative side of the community. 

Frank Austin believes if the community can get help from the mayor or from president Underwood of Mercer University the process will be a major success. Outreach for the Village green area will be profound and other blighted neighborhoods will seek change.  If Village green is successful, other communities will use them as a template.

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Making an Impact in Macon

Will the refurbishment of the Macon Mill Hill Community Arts Center benefit the community?  This question is up for debate because many believe it will have a beneficial effect while others are not so convinced. I agree that it will help the community come closer and that it will revitalize the surrounding area.  The area surrounding the arts center is heavily poverty stricken as 75% of homes are vacant according to http://artfcity.com.  The adversaries believe that much won’t change within the community or that the arts center will attract a different type of crowd. But there is much support behind the future project.  

Renovating the arts center is adding to a different outlook in stirring change for a community. Parks and new urbanism work but do not satisfy everyone in the community.  What the arts center does is add variety to the community, it offers people something else to do.  Adding a variety to the surroundings gives people more reason to go out and be social. While also introducing the youth to new things that could potentially impact them in a big way. I believe this vision will work not only by itself but by also using some of the park ideas, and new creation from new urbanism. The idea of renovating an already historic place in a poverty stricken community is almost revolutionary.  Usually new monuments or new cities are placed instead of old ones being renovated.

The artist being fired is somewhat controversial.  Is the Macon Art Alliance (MAA) or the artist to blame for getting fired? In the reading it is expected that the artist be in the same place for the long run as stated by Baker who is head of MAA “Baker wanted to know if they would be in Mill Hill for years. That their contract had the pair in Macon-Bibb for four months was news to him. Baker said that wasn’t enough.”  To a certain degree the artists are wrong for not staying longer, as they want to leave after 90 days. Their impact will be left on the community but they could have left a bigger impact if they would stay longer. But they cannot be all to blame, as both are to blame. MAA can almost be guilty of something called gentrification. To a certain level this is somewhat clear due to how they are marketing the arts center. MAA also does not help their case by only introducing members of society who are already on the wagon for the project to continue.  It is trying to push some the of the local African Americans out of the area. Nonetheless, with all that has gone on the idea is superb and will leave a lasting impact for the Macon area.

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For the writing The social life of small urban spaces by, William H. Whyte, he discusses the problem of open space and places to sit in public.  Too often in cities there is too much space and seating in cities is problematic. Nowadays cities try to eliminate open and free sitting from the public.  Some cities put so much effort and spend millions by adding features that make ledges and other free sit spots useless.    As stated by Whitley “It takes real work to create a lousy place. Ledges have to be made high and bulky; railings put in; surfaces canted (p29).”  They have also altered the design of benches to prevent the homeless from being able to sleep on them.  Whitley argues that they should stop trying these methods and open their eyes to the advantages that they create for society.

Whitley points out that there are perks to these sit spots and how they accommodate society. Whitley states “The benefit of the extra space is social comfort-more room for groups and individuals to sort themselves out, more choices and more perception of choices (p32).”  For example, after taking a long stroll in the park you look for somewhere to sit and find out there are places other than designated chairs to sit in. Such as a rock, ledge, even something as common as stairs.  Whitley mentions the use of moveable chairs.  When an architect designs stationary chairs, it is sometimes awkward.  When people come into contact in these stationary chairs or designated seating there is no running due to it creating a tense atmosphere.  Whitley talks about how moveable chairs are a better accommodation for society and provide people with a choice of where to sit.  They also provide people with the potential to use space to their liking either taking up or subtracting space.

Whitley also discusses how smaller cities take advantage of cutting down driving distances.  They cut off streets and turn them into walking havens. By including more sit spots that encourage community interaction almost turning main street places into hang out spots. He also included evidence of cities turning their shopping centers into walkable streets.  Most of the modern shopping centers and plazas are nothing but vast amounts of parking lot.

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Park daily

Today in our park visit we did something a little different.  Instead of us going to our usual sit spots, and sitting there observing the scenery we pulled weeds.  We went to a stone terrace in the back of the park to a section of plants.  I think the spot was another classmate sit spot. Most of us ripped weeds from the ground while Trey and a couple of other people had to dig a hole to get a pipe out of the ground.  It was put in place to hold a tree in place, but was no longer needed and took away from the natural beauty. The weeds were relatively easy to pull out.  You knew when you were picking up something other than a weed as it would not budge or come out of the ground.  Based upon observation of my peers not many of us do yard work.  Some did not know what to pull up because they had never done it.

  As we were working people started to slow down as they passed us in their cars.  Some waved others stopped just to see what a bunch of college students were doing at the park, I guessed.  The weather was a perfect 70 with a nice light breeze.  The park was relaxing as always and being near my classmates was good, a little bonding of such.  Everyone was in high spirits, especially trey as he was making jokes the entire time.  While we were working pulling weeds the fit moms were not too far off in the distance working out.  A circle of about seven moms each with their own little baby.  It was the cutest scene ever. Their workouts are pretty intense and today’s workout was different than the last one that I saw.  Today’s seemed to have incorporated more cardio based exercises.  They did burpees, cone drills, and laps around the park.

While we worked Dr. Silver was walking around watering the nearby trees.  So, we were not the only ones getting our hands dirty today in the park.  I guess it is true when they say time flies when you are having fun.  The time we spent in the park today went by so fast, it seemed like we were there for only five minutes.  I do not mind picking up weed, it was kind of a stress reliever. Taking out all my anger when I would rip the weeds from the ground.  Overall, the day was good and I’m sure my other classmates would not mind doing it again.

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Parks

In the writing The Death and life of great American cities, by Jane Jacobs, she talks about the negative impact parks have on the community. Her outlook is supported by points evident in society but not ever talked about.  Compared to authors who were supportive of the idea of parks, she is very pessimistic about the functionality of their use and affect they have on the community.  Andrew Jackson downing and Frederick Olmstead would have had a nice debate with Jacobs about the roles of parks and their personal experience with them.

Jacobs points to how parks can manifest the dangers of a surrounding community.  She says “They have the same problems as streets without eyes, and their dangers spill over into the areas surrounding, so that Streets along such parks become known as danger places too and are avoided (p123).”  This is evident in many places especially after hours.  Parks at night usually attract the wrong type of crowd and are usually one of the first places people think of to avoid at night.  I know growing up in Texas, walking at the park or near the park at night was suicidal.  It was constantly filled with drug dealers, addicts, and muggers on the prowl for an unaware person to be caught by themselves.

Another point that Jacobs discusses is that parks “further depress neighborhoods that people find unattractive for a wide variety of other uses, for they exaggerate the dullness, the danger, the emptiness (p144).”  Parks usually are representations of the surrounding area and if the surrounding just happen to be bad then the park will be bad.  Parks are usually built upon money circulated in the community, if not much money is there to circulate the park will be lacking further manifesting the problem. So instead of the park encouraging people, the park becomes another reminder of the depressive state of the community. It’s like adding insult to injury.  

Jacobs also claims “The main problem of neighborhood park planning boils down to the problem of nurturing diversified neighborhoods capable of using and supporting parks (p131)”, Olmstead and Downing would have had a major problem with this statement.  As they believed that parks brought about diversity and helped bring communities closer. To Jacobs as much as parks try to bring everyone together they fail to an extent.  People tend to stay within proximity of their homes and often times will not travel to a park too far away.  If the only park happens to be too far they usually do not go to the park and diversity fails for the park.  The park then becomes a place of exclusivity for the people within the vicinity.

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Importance of Parks

Andrew Jackson Downing in his writing, A Talk About Public Parks and Gardens, gives many reasons for wanting America to have public parks and uses his experience overseas to describe the benefits of having them. When Downing visited places overseas such as Germany and England.  He saw the positive consequences of the parks and noticed the effect it had on the people who visited them.  Downing talks about how the park provides a “salubrious and wholesome breathing place, full of really grand and beautiful trees, which are great social enjoyments (2)”.  The main focus of downing wanting the parks is it that the parks provide an environment with no class, no social barriers, and a means of exercise. What the park does to help the community is create an environment with a term Downing uses which is social freedom.

When questioned on the topic of society separating themselves at the park creating more barriers between classes is answered by the real world results observed at the parks in Germany and England.  The people just do not care about social classes when at the park, due to the vast space of a park.  There is enough room for people to be unbothered if need be. The fresh air and the beautiful surrounding lead to peace.

Frederick Olmstead also agrees with Downing that the creation of a park allows “vast numbers of persons brought closely together, poor and rich, young and old, Jew and Gentile (3)”. Olmstead also discusses that the parks would encourage outdoor interaction within the community.  As seen throughout history the comfortability of a home and the ability to customize the home to the owners liking has resulted in people staying indoors more often.   People staying in has led to the increase in American weight and shrinking relations within the community.

In modern times some of the topics discussed are still relevant today and the results of implementing parks into society can be seen.  Such as neighborhoods that do not have parks, the cohesive force between neighbors is weak as there is a disconnect.  Whereas communities with parks leads to more interaction with people and just a relax zone for many.  In my personal experiences with parks, I used to look forward for going for a walk at a park when I was young.  I enjoyed the pond in the middle of the park, the trees, the flowers, and the atmosphere that it provided.  Even nowadays I visit the park to get refreshed and to hang out with friends.

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Resistance

What is authoritarianism and why is it unacceptable? As described by Webster dictionary, it can be defined as the enforcement or advocacy of strict obedience to authority at the expense of personal freedom. In short it is an authority figure restricting your rights as a citizen and as a human.  It is not hard to see why this is a problem and why it needs to be stopped. Authoritarianism is unacceptable because your personal rights are limited and you really do not have any say in the government you are living in.  This causes massive problems as some governments take full advantage of their power enforcing laws without the thought of how it will affect the community.  Communities affected by authoritarianism are unsatisfied and feel they have no control. Nowadays it is not as big a problem as it once was, but there are still some places affected such as China, North Korea, and Egypt.  Looking at these places from an outside perspective gives some insight into how negatively impacted authoritarianism has on the community.  China is a good example of the government enacting wrongful laws to prevent growth or criticism.  It is illegal to start political parties; you cannot lobby the government or present views that oppose the Chinese government.  Another attack to limit civilian rights is the law put in place that has rid the internet of google, which was seen as a way to discourage the Chinese leader.  These are just a few examples of the problems with authoritarianism, but there are ways to resist authoritarianism. Hope is not at all lost, with tons of courage and methodical thinking change can be obtained.  

Ten ways to resist authoritarianism:

1.       Form a group

Forming a group can be vital in unifying fellow citizens to seek change.  Having people on your side can help support the change to resist authoritarianism by having the one thing that is more powerful than the government, the community. Think about it in order for the government to have power we have to believe that they have power. We submit ourselves to the law and the norms written out by the government.  Without this submissiveness there is no power.  Groups can be seen being used throughout history.  Most the time a group of people or a coalition can be seen as the main opponent to the government.  

Serbia is a prime example of people forming a group to oppose authoritarianism.  During the late nineties and early two-thousands Serbia was under control of a ruthless leader, Slobodan Milosevic.  Serbian citizens felt the need for change and formed a resistance group called, Otpor.  Otpor at first was a civic protest group, then formed into a resistance movement. As they became more successful and could see actual change more and more people backed them up as much as 70,000 people backed Otpor. They sought to overthrow Milosevic, with constant persistence it happened.  In October of 2000 Milosevic was thrown out of office due mainly to the efforts of Otpor. Not only did they help overthrow the leader they also kept the government in check after this monumental event. Otpor kept the government in check by making sure they kept the promises they made after Milosevic was out of office, pressing for reforms to be passed that put society back in equilibrium, and fighting government corruption.  Change is possible, it will not be easy but with persistence and enough people behind you good will prevail.

2.       Use Social Media

 In today’s society social media and the internet in general can be a valuable asset in helping find support globally.  We cannot go one day or even one hour without running into some form of social media or something that deals with the internet. We are millennials and know the internet better than anyone before us. So why not take advantage of our signature attribute.  Societies that have been under authoritarian rule need to use this invaluable commodity.

In cases where the government has a strong grip over the community thus preventing access to the web results in hindrance of power. Social Media can be the friend that enacts change or brings attention to the problem that brings about change from an outside source.  Social Media is a huge resource that some governments have realized bring power, thus restricting a community from access to it is a step closer to solidifying their rule. Situations where this is the case makes the road to resistance harder and it is vital for a community to gain access to use this huge resource.  There are a couple of places that had to deal with this type of oppression. Places such as china, Egypt, and in more extreme cases North Korea.  In a more recent example http://www.csmonitor.com/Technology/, discusses a Taiwan Student protest in which the younger generation stuck to the internet to express their dissatisfaction with recent government choices.  Such as a controversial trading act partnered with China. The Taiwanese people felt going to the internet to protest was the best option due to fears that the Taiwanese government would put a restriction like the one China imposed on its civilians. The government instantaneously feeling pressure with the people came to terms with the people before things took a turn for the worst.

 3.       Find a significant place to protest

 Going to an historic monument or location can help grab the attention needed for change.  Think about an important place in your respective residence, imagine having a protest there. Would there be in immediate reaction or it would go by calmly with no opposition?  Protest at such locations attract attention, especially if it is aiming at the government.  The government cannot resist or overlook this because with the protest disruption is a counterpart.  Disruption in a society is not what the government wants and an immediate response soon follows.

A clear example of this can be seen in Ukraine’s revolt, also known as the orange revolution. Where they occupied Maidan, which is a huge center of town.  Many cannot get into the city or main areas without passing the Independence square in Maidan.  Ukraine’s revolution came about because of a corrupt president wrongfully being elected into office.  As soon as he was put in office he immediately began oppressing the people of Ukraine.  So the people responded by taking over Independence square demanding change and not leaving until change happened. The government responded immediately by sending the army to help relieve the tension doing anything to prevent the protest. By anything as far as brutally beating the rioters and eventually using deadly force to restrain them.  Maidan turned into a battleground. But the people were fed up and blew off any attempt of people trying to take back over the square.  The takeover took some time to happen as it took almost a year to accomplish the goals wanted.  But nonetheless with constant persistence and much support from the community.  The corrupt president resigned office and left the country. It was a bloody victory but a victory nonetheless.  Now Ukraine enjoys peace and a somewhat democratic society.

4.       Having a Martyr

 This does not sound like a good way to resist authoritarianism, but it can be the spark that enacts change.   Having a martyr can help bring support needed from the community to overthrow authoritarianism because they see what was done is wrong.  Often times there is no possible cover up from such events. The government if provoked to this form of action, attack the person usually seen in charge or leading the revolt. There is no hiding or hurting the one person courageous enough to confront authoritarianism, who will have massive amounts of supporters.

An example in the twenty first century involves the authoritarianism force oppressing the black community and people sought for a change. One man was the face for this change sadly being subject to the violent tactics used to prevent a change, a martyr.  The very known martyr is none other than Martin Luther King Junior.  In the fight for civil rights he was wrongfully shot to death by a man who thought otherwise.  Kings ambition to oppose oppression to his people will never be forgotten and is a perfect example of a martyr.  In reaction to this atrocious event the people fighting with King became even more motivated.  Forming a bond that could not be broken despite the government’s attempt to prevent it. Kings death also help spark for immediate change within society. The government saw the repercussions of the murder of king and put in place laws to stop whatever problems there were. Though there was no immediate change progression was evident.

 5.       Peaceful means of change

 Peaceful protest is usually not the most efficient form of resisting authoritarianism but is effective. As seen throughout history peaceful protest have been used to overthrow authoritarianism countless times. Usually the road is long and hard but with constant persistence change is inevitable.  Reacting violently will get thee point across but puts you in the same category as the people you are trying to oust.  Peaceful protest has been used for a long.

time.  Gandhi used this tactic to overthrow British rule during his time.  Despite being beaten and his campaign taking forever he did it.  With Gandhi and his people not retaliating to the government oppression, further helped he image he intended to have.  Such as by peaceful means you can accomplish what you need. Another point is that if you did retaliate violently then you are no better than the government who have no remorse for their actions.  Violence only begets more violence. What the government does is to try to provoke you, to see if you will retaliate so war can be declared in essence.  Once the government senses violence they are quick to take things a step further.  When this occurs death is soon to follow, in does not fail.  Either a main leader or a person supporting the movement. So it is vital to stay calm and stay peaceful.

 6.       Foster a common association

 Citizens finding a common goal for trying to overthrow authoritarianism can significantly improve the strength of a community and help people realize what needs to be done.  In finding common ground people will be more easily influenced in helping support the move to fight against authoritarianism. In successful resistance to authoritarianism in any case a common goal was established.  When you stand for something it is much easier to input the energy needed to accomplish what it is that is desired.

Anything can help make people come together such as a slogan, common oppressive situations, even age. There are many examples of communities coming together for a common purpose.  Japan is a good exemplar of people unifying in past experience to prevent the government from further doing damage or implementing their wants.  In the article, https://www.democracynow.org describes the Japanese government attempting to begin starting back up nuclear plants.   The people have a major problem with this idea as past experiences are a recurring thought.  In 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami hit Japan, resulting in major failure of the Fukishima Daiichi Nuclear plant malfunctioning.  Thousands of people had to be evacuated from their homes and many people will suffer from the effects of being exposed to radiation for many years to come.  People can no longer go back to their homes and many have lost their jobs.  It is apparent why people would have a problem with the government trying to start these plants back up.  The main reason people banded together is because they all remember the effects the failure of the plants had on their lives.  They have something in common and thus began protesting running off of the emotions from this incident, protesting for nuclear plants to no longer be active.  This strength in community and strong unifying experience have helped prevent the nuclear plants from happening.

7.       Acknowledge problem

 Actually acknowledging the problem of unfair rights from authoritarianism and presenting this awareness can help to start change.  Knowing that a change needs to happen is the first step in success of ousting authoritarianism.  Also, realizing that your rights as a human are being restricted or neglected are fire starters for support.  If one person is feeling this way more than likely they are not the only one.  Though this is not a specific way to resist authoritarianism this is one of the first steps needed to take in order to move toward change.  In situations where there is a form of authoritarianism most people use excuses to let the government continue their rule.  It seems that people just accept their fate and believe that nothing can be done.  More often times than not all they do is complain to fellow citizens and do nothing. But when someone finally demands for change and points out the problem things begin to change.  The mentality of we can’t turns into we can.  Excuses are no longer viable and change is the result.

In Germany one brave soul felt the need to let people know of a problem, Sophie Scholl.  During the 1940s the peak of Nazism was everywhere in Germany.  Many people did not resist the Nazi regime, with a going with the flow mentality. Sophie saw a problem and believed the Nazi regime was bad.  She took control and released a pamphlet bashing the Nazi regime detailing the horrendous acts they did.  After release of the pamphlet she was shortly apprehended and executed. What she did accomplish was getting people on her side and making them realize the regime was not doing all they said they were.  Leaving out key information or not telling the people the truth.  She acknowledged the problem and the people reacted.

 8.       Legal means of change

 Resisting authoritarianism by legal means can be quite difficult because the government already has the upper hand but victory is achievable with persistence.  Presenting evidence of oppression and the problems associated with the problem of authoritarianism can help provide support. In tackling the problem of authoritarianism head on in a legal way may take time but with insurmountable evidence and aid from the community victory would be imminent.  Combining this tactic and any other form of resistance to authoritarianism may be the best way to have victory. One of the best ways to legally beat authoritarianism is to describe how the government is violating your human rights.  As a human no other human should make you feel as if they are restricting what was given to you from the beginning.  Such as taking your freedom of speech or your freedom of choice.  In many authoritarianism governments one of the first things to be taken away is the freedom of voice, then the freedom of choice.  The government limits the amount of choices you have and uses this to their advantage or in worst case scenarios gives you no choice.  But with the legal system one of two things will happen.  Presenting forth the issue will help change happen or the government is so corrupt that they will expose themselves.  After attempting to utilize the legal system and you fail, one of the other nine ways to resist authoritarianism should be used.  Using the legal system is a more peaceful way of accomplishing resisting authoritarianisms, like letting the government know this is their last chance before it gets ugly.  

 9.       Find physical place that represents power

 In most societies there is usually a place that has historic significance that is controlled by someone that signifies who has the power.  That someone is usually the government and overtaking this place can be vital in change.  These significant physical places are physical manifestations of power.  Taking control of these locations is a huge victory against authoritarianism, who believe they have complete control.  It is crazy to think that this is an effective tactic but it gets the job done.  Forcing the government to actually listen to what you have to say.  It is like stripping someone of their pride and telling them what needs to change.

Egypt went through such a situation in 2011, when they had a problem with the current president Hosni Mubarak who was seen as violent and restricting. A big reason people did not like him was for the fact that he was a convicted felon and still made presidency.  Corruption was a big issue for the people.  He immediately implemented a law that basically made whatever he wanted happen. With the passing of this law unfair trials were all too common and arrests were made daily.  Often times people that were arrested were subject to torture.  The people of Egypt began to move forward for change.

They went to the one place they knew they would be heard, Tahrir Square in Cairo. Tahrir Square could be seen as the heart of the government because it is essentially the gateway to the entire city. In the documentary, The Square http://www.imdb.com  describes the protest in its entirety. As stated in the documentary The square is surrounded by some of the most important buildings in Cairo - the national museum, the colossal Mogamma administrative building, the former headquarters of the ruling NDP party (which was torched during the uprising by protesters), state TV and several glitzy international hotels.  It is evident why the Square was such an important location.  The people began a protest at the square refusing to leave until something changed.  Over a span of 18 days the square was occupied by thousands of people demanding for the president to resign.  After intense protest, Mubarak resigned and much of what the people demanded was implemented.

10.   Resist authoritarianism before it becomes a bigger problem

 When the government enacts laws that prohibit something from further developing, they are cutting it off before it becomes a problem.  A community can use this tactic against the government.  Which prevents the government from becoming a formidable foe that will take more effort in defeating.  Whereas if they had dealt with it earlier it would not had been as bad.  In attempting such a feat, there must be massive momentum in your favor and many numbers.  Not many attempts in this solution are seen, because people usually succumb to the power of authoritarianism. It usually takes the central power abusing the people and stressing the community for a reaction to happen.  Like blowing a balloon till it is to big then the balloon popping.  Much is the same for people to react.  

A recent example can be seen in Washington D.C. when anti trump protestors tried to block a checkpoint. The United States is not an authoritarianist society but people felt we were headed in that direction with the new election. Election for the 45th president was near and one candidate was seen as the sure winner. Donald Trump.  When the election was over and the least liked candidate won people were outraged. As the future president was headed to swear in he was met with a surprise.  There was a checkpoint Trump needed to pass in order to attend the inauguration and people tried preventing him from being in attendance.  As can be read in the article by Mirror, http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/, describes the intent of the protestors preventing entry of the future president from entering into the inaugural location.  The protestors believed that trump being elected into office would support white supremacy.  As can be seen in the present day the protestors were not successful in their attempt but much focus was put on the protest.  Major media attention was focused on the event.  Even though the attempt to prevent trump from going into office failed, much can be gained from this situation.  For one even the small scale attempt to protest resulted in their voices being heard causing a reaction.  If the people would have had more numbers I feel they would have been more successful in preventing his inauguration.  Bravery almost prevailed in preventing what the community saw as a problem from manifesting itself even more.

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Are Cars Problematic?

In the reading Suburban Nation by Duany, he is saying that the use of cars is destroying the community. The use of cars and the supportive needs of cars collaboratively are making society worse.  More roads are put in place and the dependency of a car is further strengthened.  No longer can someone make it nowadays without a car.  Duany bashes the ideals of using cars and further developing the already complicated road system.

For the older generation common places were accessible and only a walk away.  Nowadays in order for one to go to a place as common as a park or the store is a 10-15-minute drive. Even thinking about your or my own experience with this, it is true.  In order to go to the nearest grocery, store I have a 30-minute drive to and from.  As cities get bigger and expand this will only get worse. For the elderly once they are no longer able to drive they are usually put into retirement homes, when there is absolutely nothing wrong with them.  From personal experience my best friend had his grandfather put in a home shortly after he couldn’t drive. because His parents constantly felt like a taxi and were babysitting.

Another point by Duany is that America is getting fat.  As stated earlier no longer is common stores, schools, parks, etc. in walking distance. A statistic stated by Duany emphasizes the current epidemic “the weight of the average American has risen eight pounds in 10 years. Nearly 60 percent of Americans are overweight (126)”. Americans have become dependent on automobiles and the government has created society in order to support those habits. As stated by Duany “[widened] roads, making more one ways, street trees cut down, sidewalks narrowed or eliminated, and street parking replaced by massive parking lots (159).” These massive budgets for roads are cutting from school funds.  It is estimated that for every one mile of road 30 million is spent. This is not good and serious consideration should be put into the importance of further road/car growth.

Duany also discusses the road system and the problem with the youth.  It is stated that with the way things are they do not fit the young. The person who came up with the concept of the layout if roads and neighborhoods was married with a child, people who were ready to settle down. This had led to teens being bored and encouraging foolish behavior.  As well as putting the strain on parents to provide their child with a means of travel.  The layout of society further distances the youth from doing things that are of interest to them.  

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[hercules092-blog]

Another 5 ways to resist

1.       Foster a common association

 Citizens finding a common goal for trying to overthrow authoritarianism can significantly improve the strength of a community and help people realize what needs to be done.  In finding common ground people will be more easily influenced in helping support the move to fight against authoritarianism. In successful resistance to authoritarianism in any case a common goal was established.  When you stand for something it is much easier to input the energy needed to accomplish what it is that is desired.

Anything can help make people come together such as a slogan, common oppressive situations, even age. There are many examples of communities coming together for a common purpose.  Japan is a good exemplar of people unifying in past experience to prevent the government from further doing damage or implementing their wants.  In the article, https://www.democracynow.org describes the Japanese government attempting to begin starting back up nuclear plants.   The people have a major problem with this idea as past experiences are a recurring thought.  In 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami hit Japan, resulting in major failure of the Fukishima Daiichi Nuclear plant malfunctioning.  Thousands of people had to be evacuated from their homes and many people will suffer from the effects of being exposed to radiation for many years to come.  People can no longer go back to their homes and many have lost their jobs.  It is apparent why people would have a problem with the government trying to start these plants back up.  The main reason people banded together is because they all remember the effects the failure of the plants had on their lives.  They have something in common and thus began protesting running off of the emotions from this incident, protesting for nuclear plants to no longer be active.  This strength in community and strong unifying experience have helped prevent the nuclear plants from happening.

2.       Acknowledge problem

 Actually acknowledging the problem of unfair rights from authoritarianism and presenting this awareness can help to start change.  Knowing that a change needs to happen is the first step in success of ousting authoritarianism.  Also, realizing that your rights as a human are being restricted or neglected are fire starters for support.  If one person is feeling this way more than likely they are not the only one.  Though this is not a specific way to resist authoritarianism this is one of the first steps needed to take in order to move toward change.  In situations where there is a form of authoritarianism most people use excuses to let the government continue their rule.  It seems that people just accept their fate and believe that nothing can be done.  More often times than not all they do is complain to fellow citizens and do nothing. But when someone finally demands for change and points out the problem things begin to change.  The mentality of we can’t turns into we can.  Excuses are no longer viable and change is the result.

In Germany one brave soul felt the need to let people know of a problem, Sophie Scholl.  During the 1940s the peak of Nazism was everywhere in Germany.  Many people did not resist the Nazi regime, with a going with the flow mentality. Sophie saw a problem and believed the Nazi regime was bad.  She took control and released a pamphlet bashing the Nazi regime detailing the horrendous acts they did.  After release of the pamphlet she was shortly apprehended and executed. What she did accomplish was getting people on her side and making them realize the regime was not doing all they said they were.  Leaving out key information or not telling the people the truth.  She acknowledged the problem and the people reacted.

 3.       Legal means of change

 Resisting authoritarianism by legal means can be quite difficult because the government already has the upper hand but victory is achievable with persistence.  Presenting evidence of oppression and the problems associated with the problem of authoritarianism can help provide support. In tackling the problem of authoritarianism head on in a legal way may take time but with insurmountable evidence and aid from the community victory would be imminent.  Combining this tactic and any other form of resistance to authoritarianism may be the best way to have victory. One of the best ways to legally beat authoritarianism is to describe how the government is violating your human rights.  As a human no other human should make you feel as if they are restricting what was given to you from the beginning.  Such as taking your freedom of speech or your freedom of choice.  In many authoritarianism governments one of the first things to be taken away is the freedom of voice, then the freedom of choice.  The government limits the amount of choices you have and uses this to their advantage or in worst case scenarios gives you no choice.  But with the legal system one of two things will happen.  Presenting forth the issue will help change happen or the government is so corrupt that they will expose themselves.  After attempting to utilize the legal system and you fail, one of the other nine ways to resist authoritarianism should be used.  Using the legal system is a more peaceful way of accomplishing resisting authoritarianisms, like letting the government know this is their last chance before it gets ugly.  

 4.       Find physical place that represents power

 In most societies there is usually a place that has historic significance that is controlled by someone that signifies who has the power.  That someone is usually the government and overtaking this place can be vital in change.  These significant physical places are physical manifestations of power.  Taking control of these locations is a huge victory against authoritarianism, who believe they have complete control.  It is crazy to think that this is an effective tactic but it gets the job done.  Forcing the government to actually listen to what you have to say.  It is like stripping someone of their pride and telling them what needs to change.

Egypt went through such a situation in 2011, when they had a problem with the current president Hosni Mubarak who was seen as violent and restricting. A big reason people did not like him was for the fact that he was a convicted felon and still made presidency.  Corruption was a big issue for the people.  He immediately implemented a law that basically made whatever he wanted happen. With the passing of this law unfair trials were all too common and arrests were made daily.  Often times people that were arrested were subject to torture.  The people of Egypt began to move forward for change.

They went to the one place they knew they would be heard, Tahrir Square in Cairo. Tahrir Square could be seen as the heart of the government because it is essentially the gateway to the entire city. In the documentary, The Square http://www.imdb.com  describes the protest in its entirety. As stated in the documentary The square is surrounded by some of the most important buildings in Cairo - the national museum, the colossal Mogamma administrative building, the former headquarters of the ruling NDP party (which was torched during the uprising by protesters), state TV and several glitzy international hotels.  It is evident why the Square was such an important location.  The people began a protest at the square refusing to leave until something changed.  Over a span of 18 days the square was occupied by thousands of people demanding for the president to resign.  After intense protest, Mubarak resigned and much of what the people demanded was implemented.

5.       Resist authoritarianism before it becomes a bigger problem

 When the government enacts laws that prohibit something from further developing, they are cutting it off before it becomes a problem.  A community can use this tactic against the government.  Which prevents the government from becoming a formidable foe that will take more effort in defeating.  Whereas if they had dealt with it earlier it would not had been as bad.  In attempting such a feat, there must be massive momentum in your favor and many numbers.  Not many attempts in this solution are seen, because people usually succumb to the power of authoritarianism. It usually takes the central power abusing the people and stressing the community for a reaction to happen.  Like blowing a balloon till it is to big then the balloon popping.  Much is the same for people to react.  

A recent example can be seen in Washington D.C. when anti trump protestors tried to block a checkpoint.  The United States is not an authoritarianist society but people felt we were headed in that direction with the new election. Election for the 45th president was near and one candidate was seen as the sure winner. Donald Trump.  When the election was over and the least liked candidate won people were outraged. As the future president was headed to swear in he was met with a surprise.  There was a checkpoint Trump needed to pass in order to attend the inauguration and people tried preventing him from being in attendance.  As can be read in the article by Mirror, http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/, describes the intent of the protestors preventing entry of the future president from entering into the inaugural location.  The protestors believed that trump being elected into office would support white supremacy.  As can be seen in the present day the protestors were not successful in their attempt but much focus was put on the protest.  Major media attention was focused on the event.  Even though the attempt to prevent trump from going into office failed, much can be gained from this situation.  For one even the small scale attempt to protest resulted in their voices being heard causing a reaction.  If the people would have had more numbers I feel they would have been more successful in preventing his inauguration.  Bravery almost prevailed in preventing what the community saw as a problem from manifesting itself even more.

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[hercules092-blog]

Suburban Nation

In the writing Suburban Nation, Duany talks about how society is growing and improving asking whether or not it is beneficial to the well-being of the community.  Duany provides many valid points making aware everyday tactics used that either help or destroy what was intended to improve.  Such as the widening of roads, divided subdivisions based upon income, and the usefulness of empty space. In my own life I have seen the effects of such actions whether positive or negative.

Today’s society is filled with much empty space not being used efficiently.  Such as expanded roads and sidewalks being far from used.  It seems that sidewalks are now built for aesthetic purposes and not for functional use.  Duany claims “in the absence of walkable public places people of diverse ages, races, and beliefs are unlikely to meet and talk (60).”  This is evident in communities that are closer such as downtown savannah which utilizes its space to invite interaction.  Providing a comfortable atmosphere, almost homey.  Places that do not utilize space often make people uncomfortable.  Growing up in san Antonio, people often drove so when it came to walking on the street it was always uncomfortable because of all the empty space and loneliness. There were times when I would refuse to walk places fearing something might happen or just not being comfortable with the walk.  Duany says in order to fix this communities need to fill up space using trees, benches, or keeping streets smaller.  

 Another example I have seen which kind of hit my heart was how Duany said “you can’t move without moving out (44).”  In context when a person desires to move from a middle income house to an upper income house they must move to an entire different scenery and vice versa. This is problematic because people have to move from the comfortability of their current home to an unknown location yet to be determined as home.  As I was growing up I moved many locations and every time I had to move and become comfortable all over again.  Such as having to make new friends and learning the ins and outs of my new ‘home’. I used to get upset with my parents for such drastic change but there was nothing I could do.  Duany hits this problem with a solution that is radical in theory but practical in real world situations. Although illegal would produce results favored by everyone.   Duany says “the best way to create variety is to vary not the architectural style but the building type (49).”  In essence not separating people by cost of house but including everyone within vicinity of each other.  So a person can move in the same comfortable community they have become accustomed to instead of searching for a completely new neighborhood.

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[hercules092-blog]

Sitting Reflection

Today was beautiful at Tattnall Square Park despite being cloudy.  The park was full of fresh air and mesmerizing visuals. The weather was a perfect 70 with a cool calm breeze gently caressing your body as you moved about. Almost like having a personal fan.  It is almost April, apparent as flowers and trees have begun to blossom. My sitting spot with its 14 trees circling my position are beginning to show the pretty purple leafs within. With a complementary smaller flower blossoming showing with a gold- orangey hue.  Sadly, one of the fourteen trees has died and is to be cut down pretty soon.  Oh how I wanted all 14 to stay together. The sounds of the birds atop are like sweet honey to my ears.  They are adding to the mesmerizing visuals of the park almost making it seem like a dream. There was something different about today, the park caught me in a daze clouding my vision slowing down time.  I should have stayed longer, as we were allowed to leave after an hour.  Adding to the magnificent view was the fountain about 20 meters away from me.  I could hear the crashing of the water from where I am sitting.  The sound is relaxing perfectly harmonizing with the birds further entrancing me.  

There must be some type of workout event for moms going on today.  There are maybe 10 moms running around the park with strollers in hand. The sight is somewhat funny, but they are doing some intense exercises.  First they began with military press with light weight, then went onto holding a plank for a minute or so, and performing jumping jacks. That is all that I saw them doing, but there were more exercises. As they exercised their little kids ran around playing with each other.  It was like a scene out of a movie almost.

Dr. Silver is walking around the park talking with my other classmates.  I do not know what he is talking about but he is walking toward trees within his vicinity bringing along a different classmate.  Once he got to me he talked about the 14 trees around and described the different species of tree they were.  Unknowingly to me there are four different type of the same tree that make up the 14 circling my sit spot.  A good bit of knowledge for future reference.

I needed a day like today, with all that life has to offer with her surprises. It feels good to sit back and take a break from the fast pace of everyday life.

[hercules092-blog]

Suburban Nation

In my situation, growing up where I did it was different for sure as I grew up in multiple places.  The first half of my life I was living in the fast pace city of San Antonio, Texas. The second half of my life was in a more stagnant city known as Warner Robins, Georgia.  The difference of surrounding was immediate, everything seemed to be moving in slow motion once I moved to Warner Robins. The places I lived in are similar to the different system’s described by Duany: traditional neighborhood and suburban sprawl.

In the early part of my life I grew up in what can be described by Duany as suburban sprawl. Suburban sprawl can be described “idealized artificial system (4)”. It can further be exemplified by modern suburban society, heavy traffic, identical houses, symmetric street systems and so forth.  As Duane puts it “A path set to self-destruction (11)”.  I can attest to that with all the city had to offer, there was constant growth of the city and it was evident it was becoming too much.  Streets were beginning to become worn, poverty stricken neighborhoods, and not enough places for people to live. This was evident in the short time I was living in San Antonio.  I recently visited my old stomping grounds and had seen an improvement in the well-being of the community.  

With the later part of my life being more so of a traditional society. We had a town square and everything was within walking distance.  I could wake up and go to the store if need be, not held back because of transportation issues.  Warner Robins has the some not all of the 6 points discussed by Duany “The center, the five-minute walk, the street network, narrow versatile streets, mixed use, and special sites for special buildings (17)”. In essence this is a vague description of Warner Robins. As I was growing up in Warner Robins I could see the slow transition of my town being transformed into a suburban sprawl.  Old buildings began to be knocked down and new ones built. Streets were expanded and schools spread even further.  One school in particular was about a 10-minute drive away from the nearest street light. Just ridiculous!

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[hercules092-blog]

Resisting the Man

What is authoritarianism and why is it unacceptable? As described by Webster dictionary, it can be defined as the enforcement or advocacy of strict obedience to authority at the expense of personal freedom. In short it is an authority figure restricting your rights as a citizen and as a human.  It is not hard to see why this is a problem and why it needs to be stopped. Authoritarianism is unacceptable because your personal rights are limited and you really do not have any say in the government you are living in.  This causes massive problems as some governments take full advantage of their power enforcing laws without the thought of how it will affect the community. Communities affected by authoritarianism are unsatisfied and feel they have no control.  Nowadays it is not as big a problem as it once was, but there are still some places affected such as China, North Korea, and Egypt.  Looking at these places from an outside perspective gives some insight into how negatively impacted authoritarianism has on the community.  China is a good example of the government enacting wrongful laws to prevent growth or criticism.  It is illegal to start political parties; you cannot lobby the government or present views that oppose the Chinese government.  Another attack to limit civilian rights is the law put in place that has rid the internet of google, which was seen as a way to discourage the Chinese leader. These are just a few examples of the problems with authoritarianism, but there are ways to resist authoritarianism. Hope is not at all lost, with tons of courage and methodical thinking change can be obtained.  

Five ways to resist authoritarianism:

1.       Form a group

Forming a group can be vital in unifying fellow citizens to seek change.  Having people on your side can help support the change to resist authoritarianism by having the one thing that is more powerful than the government, the community. Think about it in order for the government to have power we have to believe that they have power. We submit ourselves to the law and the norms written out by the government.  Without this submissiveness there is no power.  Groups can be seen being used throughout history.  Most the time a group of people or a coalition can be seen as the main opponent to the government.  

Serbia is a prime example of people forming a group to oppose authoritarianism.  During the late nineties and early two-thousands Serbia was under control of a ruthless leader, Slobodan Milosevic.  Serbian citizens felt the need for change and formed a resistance group called, Otpor. Otpor at first was a civic protest group, then formed into a resistance movement.  As they became more successful and could see actual change more and more people backed them up as much as 70,000 people backed Otpor. They sought to overthrow Milosevic, with constant persistence it happened.  In October of 2000 Milosevic was thrown out of office due mainly to the efforts of Otpor.  Not only did they help overthrow the leader they also kept the government in check after this monumental event.  Otpor kept the government in check by making sure they kept the promises they made after Milosevic was out of office, pressing for reforms to be passed that put society back in equilibrium, and fighting government corruption.  Change is possible, it will not be easy but with persistence and enough people behind you good will prevail.

2.       Use Social Media

 In today’s society social media and the internet in general can be a valuable asset in helping find support globally.  We cannot go one day or even one hour without running into some form of social media or something that deals with the internet. We are millennials and know the internet better than anyone before us. So why not take advantage of our signature attribute.  Societies that have been under authoritarian rule need to use this invaluable commodity.

In cases where the government has a strong grip over the community thus preventing access to the web results in hindrance of power.  Social Media can be the friend that enacts change or brings attention to the problem that brings about change from an outside source.  Social Media is a huge resource that some governments have realized bring power, thus restricting a community from access to it is a step closer to solidifying their rule.  Situations where this is the case makes the road to resistance harder and it is vital for a community to gain access to use this huge resource.  There are a couple of places that had to deal with this type of oppression. Places such as china, Egypt, and in more extreme cases North Korea.  In a more recent example http://www.csmonitor.com/Technology/, discusses a Taiwan Student protest in which the younger generation stuck to the internet to express their dissatisfaction with recent government choices.  Such as a controversial trading act partnered with China. The Taiwanese people felt going to the internet to protest was the best option due to fears that the Taiwanese government would put a restriction like the one China imposed on its civilians. The government instantaneously feeling pressure with the people came to terms with the people before things took a turn for the worst.

 3.       Find a significant place to protest

 Going to an historic monument or location can help grab the attention needed for change.  Think about an important place in your respective residence, imagine having a protest there. Would there be in immediate reaction or it would go by calmly with no opposition?  Protest at such locations attract attention, especially if it is aiming at the government. The government cannot resist or overlook this because with the protest disruption is a counterpart.  Disruption in a society is not what the government wants and an immediate response soon follows. A clear example of this can be seen in Ukraine’s revolt, also known as the orange revolution. Where they occupied Kiev, which is a huge center of town.  Many cannot get into the city or main areas without passing the Independence square in the middle of Kiev.  Ukraine’s revolution came about because of a corrupt president wrongfully being elected into office.  As soon as he was put in office he immediately began oppressing the people of Ukraine.  So the people responded by taking over Independence square demanding change and not leaving until change happened. The government responded immediately by sending the army to help relieve the tension. But the people were fed up and blew off any attempt of people trying to take back over the square.  The takeover took some time to happen as it took almost a year to accomplish the goals wanted.  But nonetheless with constant persistence and much support from the community.  The corrupt president resigned office and left the country. It was a bloody victory but a victory nonetheless.  Now Ukraine enjoys peace and a somewhat democratic society.

4.       Having a Martyr

 This does not sound like a good way to resist authoritarianism, but it can be the spark that enacts change.   Having a martyr can help bring support needed from the community to overthrow authoritarianism because they see what was done is wrong.  Often times there is no possible cover up from such events.  The government if provoked to this form of action, attack the person usually seen in charge or leading the revolt.  There is no hiding or hurting the one person courageous enough to confront authoritarianism, who will have massive amounts of supporters.

An example in the twenty first century involves the authoritarianism force oppressing the black community and people sought for a change. One man was the face for this change sadly being subject to the violent tactics used to prevent a change, a martyr.  The very known martyr is none other than Martin Luther King Junior.  In the fight for civil rights he was wrongfully shot to death by a man who thought otherwise.  Kings ambition to oppose oppression to his people will never be forgotten and is a perfect example of a martyr.  In reaction to this atrocious event the people fighting with King became even more motivated.  Forming a bond that could not be broken despite the government’s attempt to prevent it. Kings death also help spark for immediate change within society. The government saw the repercussions of the murder of king and put in place laws to stop whatever problems there were

 5.       Peaceful means of change

 Peaceful protest is usually not the most efficient form of resisting authoritarianism but is effective.  As seen throughout history peaceful protest have been used to overthrow authoritarianism countless times.  Usually the road is long and hard but with constant persistence change is inevitable.  Reacting violently will get thee point across but puts you in the same category as the people you are trying to oust.  Peaceful protest has been used for a long time.  Gandhi used this tactic to overthrow British rule during his time.  Despite being beaten and his campaign taking forever he did it.  With Gandhi and his people not retaliating to the government oppression, further helped he image he intended to have.  Such as by peaceful means you can accomplish what you need.  Another point is that if you did retaliate violently then you are no better than the government who have no remorse for their actions.  Violence only begets more violence. What the government does is to try to provoke you, to see if you will retaliate so war can be declared in essence.  Once the government senses violence they are quick to take things a step further.  When this occurs death is soon to follow, in does not fail.  Either a main leader or a person supporting the movement. So it is vital to stay calm and stay peaceful.

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[hercules092-blog]

Ways to resist authoritarianism

Ten ways to resist authoritarianism:

1.       Form a group

Forming a group can be vital in unifying fellow citizens to seek change. Having people on your side can help support the change by having the one thing that is more powerful than the government, the community.  Groups can be seen being used throughout history.  Most the time a group of people or a coalition can be seen as the main opponent to the government.

2.       Use Social Media

In today’s society social media can be a valuable asset in helping find support globally.  In cases where the government has a strong grip over the community thus resulting in hindrance of power.  Social Media can be the friend that enacts change or brings attention to the problem that brings about change.  Social Media is a huge resource that some governments have realized bring power, thus restricting a community from access to it.  In this situation it is vital for a community to gain access to use this huge resource.

 3.       Find significant place to protest

Going to an historic monument or location can help grab the attention needed for change. Protest at such locations attract attention, especially if it is aiming at the government.  The government cannot resist or overlook this because with the protest disruption is a counterpart.  Disruption in a society is not what the government wants and an immediate response soon follows.

 4.       Peaceful means of change

Peaceful protest is usually not the most efficient form of resisting authoritarianism but is effective.  As seen throughout history peaceful protest have been used to overthrow authoritarianism countless times.  Usually the road is long and hard but with constant persistence change is inevitable. Reacting violently will get thee point across but puts you in the same category as the people you are trying to oust.

 5.       Common goal

Citizens finding a common goal for trying to overthrow authoritarianism can significantly improve the strength of a community and help people realize what needs to be done.  In finding common ground people will be more easily influenced in helping support the move to fight against authoritarianism.  In successful resistance to authoritarianism a common goal was established.  When you stand for something it is much easier to input the energy needed to accomplish what it is that is desired

 6.       Acknowledge problem

Actually acknowledging the problem of unfair rights from authoritarianism and presenting this awareness can help to start change.  Knowing that a change needs to happen is the first step in success of ousting authoritarianism.  Also, realizing that your rights as a human are being restricted or neglected are fire starters for support.  If one person is feeling this way more than likely they are not the only one.

 7.       Legal means of change

Resisting authoritarianism by legal means can be quite difficult because the government already has the upper hand but victory is achievable.  Presenting evidence of oppression and the problems associated with the problem of authoritarianism can help provide support.  In tackling the problem of authoritarianism head on in a legal way may take time but with insurmountable evidence and aid from the community victory would be imminent.

 8.       Find physical place that represents power

In most societies there is usually a place that has historic significance that is controlled by someone that signifies who has the power.  That someone is usually the government and overtaking this place can be vital in change.  These significant physical places are physical manifestations of power.  Taking control of these locations is a huge victory against authoritarianism, who believe they have complete control.

 9.       Resist authoritarianism before it becomes a bigger problem

When the government enacts laws that prohibit something from further developing, they are cutting it off before it becomes a problem.  A community can use this tactic to prevent the government from becoming a formidable foe that will take more effort in defeating.  Whereas if they had dealt with it earlier it would not had been as bad.

 10.   Having a Martyr

This does not sound like a good way to resist authoritarianism, but it can be the spark that enacts change.   Having a martyr can help bring support needed from the community to overthrow authoritarianism because they see what was done is wrong.  Often times there is no possible cover up from such events.  The government if provoked to this form of action, attack the person usually seen in charge or leading the revolt.  There is no hiding or hurting the one person courageous enough to confront authoritarianism, who will have massive amounts of supporters. Such as in the case with Martin Luther Kind Junior.  

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[hercules092-blog]

The preventative measures

Noujaim’s view of legislation increasing protest penalties is that she disagrees with the push for a penalty.  She believes that it is essential for communities to have these protest.  As stated at the end of her writing “the square formed, and will continue to form, the consciousness of an entire generation (123).”  The idea that public protest is essentially the voice of a community is valid.  It is very evident in successful protest that aimed for change, in cases where the protest was not successful the voice was shut down.  The government has been trying their best to put measures in that limit or eliminate protest but have failed time and time again.  

What public protest provide is an area where no discrimination is evident, where people can act as one with no differences. As stated by Noujaim “they created a conscious space that pulled people in and made them see beyond their limits (123).”  When there is no longer a safe space for a community to seek the voice is lost.  The reason for the protest is lost and there is no power in a nonexistence voice. People are power and when they can no longer voice themselves or come together the opposition has won.  In most cases that means the government succeeded in preventing change, which was the goal from the start.

In most cases the government responds to protest by emphasizing the disruption of everyday norms.  Such as in the case of Egypt where they shut down a popular intersection.  This was seen as a problem and the government did what they could to stop the protest.  In agreeance with this point it is valid, but there must be a reason that the community reacted in the manner it did. Public locations for protest are essential as these locations mean power.  It is a stronghold that must be controlled, and the person who controls the stronghold has the power.  Noujaim realizes this fact and sees that the government trying to prevent public protest from occurring is another attack.  The government is attacking future protestors by enacting laws that prevent the communities voice from being heard.  A possible reaction in the future is another protest by the community who will see this change as unfair.

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[hercules092-blog]

The counterbalance

The importance of public space for a community is monumental and essential in a communities survival.  Public space offers a free space and safe spot for whatever the community feels it needs to be.  It can be a haven for ideas and in some cases promote a revolution such as Wenceslas Square.  The need for these public spaces is detrimental to a community. What makes these public places the go-to?

Some public places are like sacred ground and have historic stories to tell. Such as Tiananmen square in China and Maidan in Ukraine.  For some reason these public places are the go-to places for radicals alike.  What attracts people to these places? There is no definitive answer to this question.  I believe that public places are places where no one can act hostile.  No one can hide and any act of violence is seen by the entire community.  In using China as an example, there is a picture that is forever engraved in people’s mind that involve the protestor being run over by a tank.  This not only strengthened the community but also put global support on the protest.

Another reason could be that public places are the essence of what community is. If in historic places the community does not feel safe or as one, then change is necessary.  If a community cannot express its concerns or ideas through some of these places that is saying something.  When this is the case, a revolution is bound to happen, as in Maidan where they felt oppressed by the government.  It is as if a public place is the counterbalance to the power that the government holds. By providing a voice or something of significance.