Posts by robertgodberson
A Symbol of Resiliency
Having been born at the near end of the 2oth century, many details of the infamous attack on 9/11 escape my memory, my early childhood less affected by the actions that had taken place that day then the lasting impact it left on my family and life. This week, I have decided to dedicate my post to one of, if not the most, defining moments of New York City’s history and its identity as a society. Launched in the few years succeeding my birth is what is considered the “Age of Terrorism”, a period of time caught in the balance of a world disrupted by the threat of a radical and terrifying power, every New Yorker processing the rules of a new war they did not understand, desperately searching for a safety net in the darkness of our cities grimmest era. My personal connection to 9/11 sits with my father, a first responder to the catastrophic events, and survivor of the aftermath. No memory of mine exists recounting the weight of that day, however, the story of how and where it touched the lives of my loved ones sits in me like a storybook from childhood. Gaps in the story I didn’t understand were illustrated with darkness and confusion, my imagination unable to conjure an image to depict the horror of this story. My father recounts that day with more confusion than anything else, describing 9/11 as scratch across the surface of New York’s beauty, rendering a city he worked in for over 20 years permanently scarred, and unrecognizable.
Sitting in the place of this tragedy is a structure unprecedented in its design and purpose. Constructed as a token of memory to the events of September 11th, the uniquely designed and innovative architectural marvel, the Oculus, is nestled proudly at the sight of new York’s most horrific memory. Resurrected in memory of those lost, it serves as more than a tribute, but a symbol of the spirit of our city, an epicenter for movement, change, conflict, and resiliency. Its roof always open to the sunlight above, its ultimate vision is to mimic the boundless span of a white doves wings, outstretched to the sky above. This structure is one of the few in New York I feel both a personal connection too and hold in my heart as a memory of something that represents my life. Designed and executed in my lifetime, this site will always be one I remember being built, opening, and truly representing the resiliency of a city we all must grow, suffer, and live in every day. I’m proud to have lived through, and still live in, the age of terror, having come out the other side someone who understands fear, appreciates safety, and most importantly, is a proud New Yorker.
A Not-So-Sunny Day
I snapped this picture today while on a stroll through the historical and gorgeous DUMBO district of Brooklyn. Positioned below the Main St. sign, I couldn’t help but admire the architectural beauty of the Brooklyn Bridge, especially on a day like today’s, the serene blue sky complementing the sunny, springtime portrait. The only issue being, of course, that it is in fact not springtime, but the middle of February! I couldn’t help but think of our discussions in class over the progression of global warming, and how such extremities in temperature variance such as today’s are only going to become more and more frequent as we continue to damage the earth. At a pleasant 55 degrees, I found myself stepping over puddles of melted snow from the 22 degrees snowstorm that was only a day ago! Nothing about the feelings of joy I felt for a warmer day or the delight of a sunny stroll felt deserved, all of it a product of a much scarier, larger issue. This bright day is more a symbol of the temporary, fleeting comfort we are used to as New Yorkers than it is of a happier season to come. It is days like these that remind me global warming is stirring, waiting, and patiently preparing its consequences, those of which will be much damaging than a sporadic sunny day in mid-February.
How Trash becomes our Treasure- Robert Godberson
As New Yorkers, its seldom we take time out of our day to stop and compliment the beauty of our great city. Afforded the privilege to live at the epicenter of culture and communication, New Yorkers have learned to take for granted the city’s formidable nature, growing accustomed to its unforgiving elements of life in a rapid metropolis. Unwavered by obstacles of climate, crowding, and even crumbling transportation systems, New Yorkers personify what it means to be resilient. More often than not, we are caught in the rhythm of a city that moves beneath our feet like a treadmill, pushing us backward like a current we either fight against or allow to push us out to sea. This unburdening motion is what constitutes our tendency to focus on our selves, shifting the darkest features of the city to the back of our minds, adopting the graceless pieces of our daily life as a part of our culture.
New York wouldn’t be New York without its mess. That is, we allow our trash and our neglectful nature as busy New Yorkers to become so flourishing, that it becomes our treasure. Yes, other cities may wrestle with their own issues of pollution and untidiness, but only in New York does in contribute to the distinct spirit of a city designed around the nature of its unformidable trash. This picture, snapped in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, exemplifies how an area decorated for its classic as well as beautiful “Brooklyn” standard of living harbors the same untouched monstrosities of a garbage dump. This small mountain of waste represents what grows out of the neglect we have for life around us, perfectly complimenting the rugged, urban displays of metal, brick, and graffiti that fill this public, neighborhood space. Too busy to address our mistakes, courtyards such as these highlight the effects of a city that is on the go, while also oddly and beautifully characterizing the tone of New York City’s landscape. The colors of the shot work together like a setting of a photoshoot, fabricating the ironic beauty that I feel New York will always be known best for. What we leave behind in the rapid shuffle of our daily lives not only speaks to our nature as habitats of an “urban colossus”, but is often also the most beautiful.
Rob Godberson’s Bio
Hi, my name is Rob! I’m a sophomore at Baruch like all of you, and am majoring in Marketing with a minor in Theater Arts. Outside of school, I’m a barista at Starbucks, and also an intern for Billboard Magazine. In the future, my goals are to work for a magazine as marketing coordinator, manager, or even journalist. The fields of fashion, music, and art are my priorities for a career, my passion for art and culture evident within the responsibilities of each.
Other than school, I spend most of my time reading, using social media, or just hanging out with my friends. By the time I graduate, I hope to have studied abroad in another country or worked for more magazines or other marketing opportunities. I’m also excited to end my Macaulay Seminars with a new perspective on the public policy of New York City and its evolution as a metropolis into the future. New York is one of my favorite cities in the world and my new home since moving from eastern Long Island, so I can’t wait to see what the new spring semester and this class will bring!
Comments by robertgodberson
"I love to hear stories like these, especially when it involves companies as large and influential as an organization like Goldman Sachs! There is always so much more that companies as large (if not larger)than GS can do to expand their impact on environmental and social issues. CSR has the opportunity to drive forward the changes we as a society need, and as customers, love to see. I truly hope GS sets a precedent for other companies to follow and by 2020 we see more than one of the worlds best-known banks contribute to an important wave of change."
--( posted on Apr 12, 2019, commenting on the post
GS is going green by 2020 )
"Being from Long Island, I can say that its sad Clean Pass is not as popular amongst as many vehicles as it should be! I myself do not have a clean pass vehicle, but am very envious of all commuters that do possess the pass to drive freely in the much less congested HOV lane. However, I do think Clean Pass is an amazing initiative that over time will continue to motivate people to make the switch to more green forms of transportation!"
--( posted on Mar 22, 2019, commenting on the post
Clean Pass Surpasses Impasse )
"Although I prefer to avoid riding bikes throughout the city myself, despite my clumsiness and poor navigation skills, I will always admit the ignorance in discounting the many benefits public bike providers extend to our city. Lowering carbon emissions, especially in a city heavily dependent on transportation like New York, it is an enourmous challenge that will ultimately save our society from some of its greatest natural and environmental conflicts of the future. A great initiative for a city, I definitely think more opportunities such as city bike should be offered to New York pedestrians, unless of course, it is easier to just walk, as I usually find it is for me :)"
--( posted on Feb 28, 2019, commenting on the post
Urban Transportation Revolution )
"This is truly representative of the human nature of New Yorkers. Situations such as these are super common all over the city, with people exhibiting little to no respect for the cleanliness of both public and private property. If anything, "New York mentality" is a disguise for the negligence and lack of concern our fellow community members possess for each other's well being and the well being of our city overall."
--( posted on Feb 24, 2019, commenting on the post
Why Use a Trash Can? )
