While reading this article I couldn’t help being astonished by the facts. The huge drop from 99% of natural areas in the city to just 3% is tremendous. It is difficult to imagine Manhattan now considered a concrete jungle to have once been comprised of jungles.
When I think of Europeans moving into New York, I think of the conflicts between the whites and Indians that were previously living here. I think of the constant wars and winnings of people but not of nature. Not only were the native people of Manhattan displaced but a huge amount of native plants and animals were lost.
This reminds me of last semester’s IDC seminar where we studied gentrification and the moving of people from their own neighborhood. I believe that this class fits well since it gives an additional perspective to the destruction of the environment and movement of the animals that were once roaming the area.
The establishment of Manhattan was destructive but has lead to many great achievements. Manhattan is now seen as a hub of culture and diversity. Many immigrants have come here from around the world with dreams to make it in this vibrant city. If only we can then learn from how other areas in the world coexist with their environments and apply it to this great city.
