Schindler Summary & Relation
At the beginning; Schindler exposes how she believes majority of architectural designs are over looked for its features. For example, she mentions how park benches are split into 3 separate seats to prevent homeless people from sleeping on them. This example proves that architectural exclusion favors and disfavors specific groups. Schindler shares some examples provided by Lawrence Lessig such as: Division of neighborhoods using highways, Accessibility of town squares, and limiting revolutionaries by creating large boulevards. These example further prove that architecture exclusion influences the decision people make on the day to day basis. Despite the fact that architecture exclusion is an obvious reality, “Few in the legal community have discussed architecture itself as a regulatory tool.” (Schindler).
Architectural exclusion is one of the more seldom issue brought up when considering racism; even though it can be one of the most contributing factors. Schindler makes it seem as if architectural exclusion is to hinder access of low-income and black individuals into white and upper-class areas with the rationale that it is promoting safety and health for individuals in those areas.
The way she expresses the ideas of architectural exclusion; makes me think about if there are any things that are hindered my life in the past or currently still hindering my life. About 2 years ago I had a psychedelic experience and made me really question my living space. I Even though this may not have been exactly what she was talking about I noticed in the more “ghetto” areas the wattage of lights are lowered. Well some may ask what affect that has. The lower wattage means the lower the light. This means this could encourage sleep, and unproductive activity. No it is not the main contributing factor to those things but if architectural exclusion does then I think this could also. This is just in comparison towards her park bench example; with a personal experience.
I’ve noticed the difference in wattage in the different areas. Even though all wattage light bulbs are the same.
In 1974 in Memphis Tennessee, a road was closed that connected an all-white neighborhood to an all-black one. It was closed on the ground of “promoting safety, and reducing traffic and noise”. In other words this basically says white people shouldn’t have direct contact; or shouldn’t be able to easily interact with black people because it’s not safe. How are people of color supposed to feel if we are automatically considered more dangerous than others just because of our color? Justice Marshall, an African American himself, protested this action and it did nothing but caused more racial supremacy towards Memphis.
In conclusion; America does its best to try and cover up as much racism as possible. However; racism is just one of the problems that don’t treat us equally. We also have something called supremacy. This always gives blacks the disadvantage in most situations. For example, If a black person goes into a store with 3 of his other black friends, they will be watched very closely. Under intentions that they may be trying to steal something or just do something illegal. However; if they were white they wouldn’t be watched as much. This is just one of the very common examples given. There are way more life changing examples, like if John Smith fills out an application compared to Devonte Fearon. If they both had the same qualifications; leave me a comment and let me know who you think would get the job?
