This blog discusses and documents the various cultural practices located at the geographical margins of the nation state. We have lived through a decade of contradictory ideas about the role of national borders. Our group is located in Windsor, Ontario, a small Canadian industrial city across the border from Detroit, though we welcome contributions about border cities and political re-mappings in other regions around the world.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Psychogeography connection to the field trip
I thought that the field trip exercise was a good way to explore the area in a different way. I have added images from the field trip because I think there is a combination of different ways to view the area.
I agree Devon that the trip a good exercise to explore the area in a new way. Taking a trip like this actually made me think while I was walking. Normally when I walk I don't pay much attention to the things around me, but more or less only to where I'm going. Taking this walk forced me personally to intellectually asses the area, and I have admit the results were a little uncomfortable. I always hear people say Windsor has been in a recession for quite some time, but I never think about it much. I'm not from the area so I guess I just never had a vested interest, but it shocked me to see so many storefronts for lease in one small geographic area. In the course of only a few kilometers or so our group had a tally of almost 14 storefronts for rent. Where I'm from that's almost unheard of. It was also a little disconcerting to note the quick change in affluence that Wyndotte street east takes. In the matter of a block the street goes from diversely ethnic and run down to the stark contrast of the classy upscale businesses and restaurants of Walkerville. It's so odd but I've seen it in Detroit as well. The reading for this week mentions it, but things like the new Tigers stadium and brand new condos sit amongst buildings with no roofs and barbed wire fences. This contrast is so foreign to me, but I guess it just makes me realize how privileged I am.
Here are a few links of historical images of Wyandotte.
ReplyDeletewww.internationalmetropolis.com/?m=200705
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wyandotte,_Michigan
www.internationalmetropolis.com/?m=200705
I agree Devon that the trip a good exercise to explore the area in a new way. Taking a trip like this actually made me think while I was walking. Normally when I walk I don't pay much attention to the things around me, but more or less only to where I'm going. Taking this walk forced me personally to intellectually asses the area, and I have admit the results were a little uncomfortable.
ReplyDeleteI always hear people say Windsor has been in a recession for quite some time, but I never think about it much. I'm not from the area so I guess I just never had a vested interest, but it shocked me to see so many storefronts for lease in one small geographic area. In the course of only a few kilometers or so our group had a tally of almost 14 storefronts for rent. Where I'm from that's almost unheard of. It was also a little disconcerting to note the quick change in affluence that Wyndotte street east takes. In the matter of a block the street goes from diversely ethnic and run down to the stark contrast of the classy upscale businesses and restaurants of Walkerville. It's so odd but I've seen it in Detroit as well. The reading for this week mentions it, but things like the new Tigers stadium and brand new condos sit amongst buildings with no roofs and barbed wire fences. This contrast is so foreign to me, but I guess it just makes me realize how privileged I am.