Author: jacob

Chapter 9 Response

Similar to the last chapter, this one started off with beautiful imagery. It stated how NY can be  safe haven for all these species of birds to land and rest in between flights. Central Park being a green oasis in a concrete jungle. While reading this I was felling slightly jealous of her and her husband’s journey to see all of the birds. It made me want to look up more and observe nature. Not only nature in regards to trees but also the wildlife that depend on the greenery as a safe haven.

Then all of this imagery has taken a turn.  The reading describes the difference in approaches the Europeans and Natives had in their environment. The Europeans would just look up and unload bullets into a flock of birds in the air. This systematic annihilation of the birds lead to the extinction of many species. The Natives however saw their environment and nature as a blessing. They made sure to never over hunt any one species.

The ending was really poignant. “What has been destroyed can never be created again.” That quote has stuck with me after reading this chapter.

Chapter 8 Response

While reading this chapter I was thinking off all the discussions we had in class and they fit right into this chapter. This chapter did a great job in not only throwing facts but by telling facts within anecdotes and easy to read stories.

Trees have long been ignored and just seen as a resource. It has been used in the past to build massive ships and homes. There was never a connection between Europeans and nature like the natives shared with nature. The main reason Europeans came was because in their land, trees have already been close to depletion. This is also shown in the last reading where letters have been sent back stating how great of a land America is to exploit.

If only we can now share the connection that Native Americans had with their environment and seeing the true necessity and history trees can have, then maybe our world can look very different.

Mannahatta Response

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.