
I really liked the story Loeb told about the community in Brooklyn that came together because of the concern they had for their children. The book describes a community divided by groups, or cliques such as the United Jewish Organization (UJO) and El Puente, an organization comprised of Puerto Ricans and Dominicans. These two groups are described as having a long history of fights and mistrust over a multitude of issues - from housing to police protection. I found inspiring the way the group "came together for the health of their children" and fought to reduce the amount of toxic waste emissions being produced and polluting their neighborhoods. The efforts of these two very different groups putting their differences aside for a common goal yielded in further community involvement (the Italian, Poles, and other groups also joined in) and eventually the incinerator which was producing these toxic emissions was ended. This is what I think Loeb meant by "The more we listen to those whose experiences and perspectives are unfamiliar, we realize what draws us together." These different groups had unique experiences and thoughts to bring to the table, making their connections with one another and their argument against their common cause even stronger. The quote I thought put all this together was: "In our common air we have found our common ground."
Hello! Like what you had to say. I also enjoyed the story about the people coming together to stop the building of the incinerator thingy. Its hard to believe that such opposite groups could work together. I also like how you say that everyone is different, but that can be overcome. Its a good reminder to me that I CAN break the barriers and reach out.
ReplyDeleteVanessa,
ReplyDeleteI think you are right. S.L.I.C.E. is an amazing example of people brought together for one cause, well in our case four different causes, even though we all have different core values and beliefs. I do feel, however, we all share one core value to help others if we can. Otherwise, why would we be here today?
The experiences we are going through with this class, have already strengthened my beliefs and shown me where I have been wrong.
Vanessa,
ReplyDeleteI agree that we, as in any group of people that assemble, are working toward a common goal. Whether we are in the same humanities class or the same group of people volunteering at the food bank we strive for the same thing. Now, if people could use the same effort they use to study as they do to volunteer. :)