Prior to reading this article and discussing it in class, I was very unfamiliar with Jamaica Bay as it is not an area I frequently visit or hear about. Apart from the occasional drive through the area on the Belt Parkway, I never really got a sense of the community that resides in the region. I was also unaware of the issues in Jamaica Bay – whether they be related to the environment or the species of animals that inhabit the area. But these three chapters focused more on how human interaction with Jamaica Bay has changed over time, and how Gateway which aims to “preserve and protect for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations an area possessing outstanding natural and recreational features” (1) tries to better the community.
Chapter 3 focused on how diversity has increased as immigration has brought new cultural groups into the area. There is also a general pattern of decline in the populations of the older white generation in the Jamaica Bay. These population changes may either be brought about by the arrival of new immigrants or based on rising property values. This new influx of people brings in new ideologies and cultural identities which transform the way that the Jamaica Bay area is used and lived in. Another issue discussed in this chapter is the increase in residents living below the poverty-line. Over time many middle-class families have been leaving the area and poverty rates have been increasing (or remaining at high rates). This increase in poverty levels poses a challenge to groups such as Gateway who need to try to reach these underserved communities with necessary resources.
Chapter 5 discusses how many religious groups are making cultural use of the resources the Bay provides. Many people of Guyanese-Hindu background, people of African and Caribbean origins, and Jews make occasional or regular use of Jamaica Bay for religious purposes. This use of Jamaica Bay as a religious site underscores the diversity within the area but also shows how a place can join different ethnicities. It is fascinating how a place can unite people from such different backgrounds and how they can all share cultural bonds based on the resources Jamaica Bay provides. Hindus and Jews value Jamaica Bay as a place of worship for certain religious rituals, but some residents criticize their practices and say that it is a cause of water pollution (since items are thrown into the body of water during the rituals as symbolic representations). This highlights the fact that many residents have conflicting views as to what purpose Jamaica Bay should serve.
Chapter 6 discussed how changing populations have influenced the change in how Jamaica Bay resources are used. Over the past forty years, there has been a significant increase in diversity of the Jamaica Bay community and surrounding areas. The history of Jamaica Bay development and histories of those who live in the community have influenced the ways in which it is used today. The past sets a precedent for the present. It was surprising to see that the new immigrants are using the shores of Jamaica Bay for different religious rituals and that this pose challenges to those who manage the area.
Studying an area fosters a deeper connection with the community and its environment. This encourages greater engagement with the area and encourages the use of it as a place of learning. After reading about Jamaica Bay, I really do want to go visit to see all that the area has to offer visitors and hear more about the importance of this region to residents.
I live in Brighton Beach which is close to an area discussed in the article, Sheepshead Bay. Every year I also partake in the Tashlikh ceremony on the beaches of Brighton. What we do is we throw pieces of bread into the body of water to cast away our sins of the previous year. We then recite prayers giving thanks and asking for forgiveness. On this day, these Jewish congregations all gather on the beach with members from our Russian-Jewish community and nearby communities for a common purpose. We listen to the sayings of the Rabbi and listen the shofar, and in a way feel closer bonded together. This purpose of the beach on this day is radically different from other summer days where it used much more recreationally. It is interesting how one place can transform itself and serve different purposes for different occasions. Each place is special to individuals for unique reasons and appreciating all these different functions is part of gaining a greater appreciation towards an area.
