Peopling of NYC Website Project final website project for Dr. Scott's Seminar 2

IntersectioNYC

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In class, we discussed the sociological theory of intersectionality. This theory states that factors such as race, gender, class, and social status do not work independently; these and several other factors work together. The theory of intersectionality can be applied to our discussions and viewings in class, as well as identifying what a New Yorker is. Our class covered a variety of themes affecting New York City residents through the use of media. Subjects such as race, identity, sex, immigrant status, and location intertwine and interweave in several of these media subjects. These topics cross paths, like the New York City subway system. Like the subway lines, these topics are present all over the city, affecting every single one of us. What is New York City without race and immigrants? It’s like asking what New York City is without its subways. And we can’t define New York City in terms of one subject, similar to how there is not just one train to get you to your final destination. In this way, the subway can be seen as a microcosm of New York City and its residents. It’s dirty, drab, and dark in some places; in others, its glamorous, glitzy, and grand. It’s diverse and stylish, smelly and eye-catching. It takes people to places near and far. It’s a potpourri of people varying in race, gender, and class. We love it, and we hate it. The subway and the themes are the foundation of the five boroughs. At the end of the day, we’re proud to say it’s our city.

I chose to present a subway map featuring eight media subjects. Five of these are pieces we were assigned in class, all films. The other three are two songs, and a comic book series, which I also felt were relevant to showing the intersectionality present in New York City. I felt that showing different pieces of media would further emphasize that New York City could be defined in more than one way, through art, media, music, or spoken word. Each of these pieces is represented on the map, and corresponds to a specific subway line. This shows the crossing of paths, and the relation of all of these topics to each other. They all work together as the foundation of our city. These themes help us to identify who we are as New Yorkers, as well as define the importance of the city to each of our lives.

A Train – Brother From Another Planet (1984) – Immigration and Identity
This film shows how one man, an alien, struggles and adapts to a new, strange environment in Harlem, New York. The immigration metaphor is seen here as the brother tries to become part of the community. He sees the squalor of the Harlem neighborhood. The members of the neighborhood help his transition into the neighborhood. Also, the brother is identified as an African-American, and later, an alien. He observes the urban environment while trying to communicate without words.

1 Train – West Side Story (1961) – Race and Romance
The musical portrays the racial and physical conflict between two gangs, the All-American Jets, and the Puerto Rican Sharks. A song like “America” characterizes the difficulties Puerto Ricans face while living in New York City. Amidst the conflict is an interracial romance as well. Tony and Maria try to love each other, trying to break the racial boundaries and misconceptions of others.

J Train – Hester Street (1975) – Assimilation and Identity
To become completely American or keep with tradition? That is one of the questions faced by the Jewish immigrants in the film. While one character tries to rid himself of his Jewish past, the others try to maintain their culture. The characters in this film tried to define who they were, perhaps trying to find a middle ground between two cultural extremes.

F Train – “99 Problems” (Jay-Z) and “NY State of Mind” (Nas) – Class and Urban Living
Class and urban situations are very important in some areas of New York City. Brooklyn rapper Jay-Z, and Queens rapper Nas address the difficulties of living as young African-Americans in the ghetto. Through their hard-hitting lyrics, they define the problems in the ghetto, and the social stigma that follows them throughout their lives.

C Train – Do The Right Thing (1989) – Community, Conflict, Violence, and the Urban Environment
Spike Lee’s magnum opus covers a variety of topics pertaining to New York City. He exposes the community and its different people with Bed-Stuy. He shows the urban conflict and violence between authorities and oppressed with the police and Radio Raheem. Finally, he shows racial interaction with Asian, Black, and White communicating and finding differences. Other topics touched upon by this film are sex, identity, social status, and tradition. This film definitely shows intersectionality, and the mixing of different topics to define a New York neighborhood.

R Train – The Amazing Spider Man (originally published 1962) – Maturation and Responsibility
A comic that’s been adapted into a TV Show, a Movie, a Musical, and much much more. The themes associated with the friendly neighborhood spider reach further than webs and spandex. Throughout the comics (as well as the films) Peter Parker struggles in becoming a man and adjusting to society. Even without his superhero alter-ego, Parker slowly takes up responsibility in New York City.

7 Train – Saving Face (2004) – Sex, Gender, and Tradition
With the plot of a typical romantic comedy, this film adds a dramatic twist by adding an element of homosexuality, as well as Asian traditionalism. The main character struggles in adapting to her life as a lesbian, and her mother tries to avoid the stigma of being an older single mother. The characters interact with traditional Mandarin dialogue, showing the Chinese tradition against the modern New York City backdrop.

Films. Comics. Songs. Subways. All of these pieces are presented with several themes, which all correlate to who we are as New Yorkers. Intersectionality is definitely present in identifying ourselves, and finding out the significance of our city. The themes, media pieces, and subway lines crisscross each other. The experience is unique, unlike any other city in the world. It’s what we grow up with, and it’s what we learn. It’s how we identify ourselves. These themes shape us, like how a subway shapes our commute to and from school. The topics work harmoniously in constructing a New Yorker. They affect each other, intersecting like a transfer. These themes are not only relevant to our lives, they’re part of our lives everyday. It is the foundation. Like the subway lines, these topics will continue to affect the residents of the city. Ironically, the points on the subway map made a heart. New York City is part of who we are. And we love it. (Charles Maniego)

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