Author Archives: dsb283

Hometowns on the Spectrum

Posted on by

I want to start off this blog post by expressing how truly happy I am that we had Professor Schmidt speak to us. I’ve been looking at Urban Planning in AAP ever since I got to Cornell and while I found the major incredibly interesting, I was despondent to discover that I may not have enough credits free to take a class in it for fun. But this talk with the Professor definitely opened up my eyes to how interesting and worth it the classes really are.

Start off, we talked about where each of the attendants was from and how we classified our hometowns. We had the majority of students labeled themselves as from a suburb, a few from urban areas (I’m from a city) and one participant saying she is from a small island in Hawai’i! We then talked a little bit about zoning and what makes each of us classify our homes this way.

It was so interesting to see the diversity of homes in the room. Only two participants were from the same place (Brooklyn) and the rest were very varied. I’m also very glad we had time to discuss income inequality and its palpability in cities. For example, we talked about how there are torn-down houses and a few blocks away there are huge mansions. Although being from a city most of this has been surrounding me my whole life and therefore I’ve been previously exposed to it to, I’m very happy to see others are recognizing it as a problem.

Watering the Crops: Hydroponics

Posted on by

This week, we were privileged to have staff from a hydroponics lab on campus come and speak to us at the Rose Cafe. First, however, I must comment on how fresh the hydroponic lettuce was! I could seriously taste a difference between the hydroponic crop and the soil crop. This pleasant discrepancy was essentially explained by our guest speakers. The PowerPoint presented displayed the various hydroponic systems using basic terminology understandable to all, even those with absolutely no prior exposure to the field (me). Nonetheless, the systems do make a lot of sense. Constant exposure to water and air is definitely a different, and perhaps even better, approach than soil. Later, we talked about the effect different types of LED lights have on the plant. Prior to this week’s Rose cafe, I had no idea that this field had so much breath and nuance! Lastly, we were able to view a few slides featuring pictures of crops in Japanese grocery stores that were grown hydroponically. I will definitely be on the look-out for more hydroponically grown crops, and cannot wait to taste more!

Relative Definition of Modern

Posted on by

Being in the Social Sciences, I am often exposed to analytical thinking, but not in a Humanities context. The Rose Cafe with Sam Legasse allowed me to explore the analytical side of Humanities, as well as learn about the Modern in relation to society’s definition of “Primitive”. First of all, I think it is very important to acknowledge the work Sam is doing, without which racial and cultural biases and discrimination may lay subconscious and remain rampant.

Opening by defining “Modern” and “Primitive” was very tactful, as one cannot have a discussion on the two without framing their specific and unique definition in reference to Sam’s research. Using real-world examples and works definitely helped make the seemingly convoluted material more palpable and real. When Sam introduced the concept of “primitive” in museums, however, I was shocked by how much I had neither realized nor considered. I definitely agree with the statement that museums are an avenue for the rich to fetishize what they deem “lesser” and, in a patriarchal dichotomy, “feminine”. And the clip from the LGBTQIA+ Museum in Berlin presented an often ignored, even concealed, reality: what are museums but a dampened display of suffering? If museums really mean to celebrate culture, then they must respect it first, and not label it “primitive”.

The Future of Ithaca

Posted on by

I entered  John Schroeder’s coffee hour ready to learn about upcoming developments impacting the Cornell student body. Fortunately, our discussion was not relegated to just what affects Cornell, as we touched upon topics affecting Ithaca and beyond. Schroeder opened with discussing the rich history of Cornell developments, starting from 1880. Quickly, we dove into the reasons why Cornell developed the way it did, why certain developers become prominent, and which parts of Ithaca served Cornell students. The conversation then took a controversial turn, as students began to contest the validity of zoning laws. However, I am thankful for this contention, because as a group we were able to discuss how and why zoning laws are useful, why buildings are built the way they are, and what the future holds for Ithaca. After this conversation with Schroeder, I can say with confidence that I am excited to see future developments in Ithaca and hope that with this housing boom and modernization, Ithaca is able to entice alumni into staying.

Intersection Between Style and Identity

Posted on by

Today, Nicholas Carbonaro divulged what he had learned from his years of experience. From wax figures to Broadway shows, and now Ithaca’s hair, his experience ranges throughout. However, Nicholas says that it all comes together– one’s outer appearance not only presents identity, but also inner thoughts and health. Over the hour, Nicholas talked about the importance of grooming for interviews, taking care of oneself in the face of others, and the importance of conditioner. However, the main takeaway from Nicholas’s years of experiences has to be his emphasis on health. Many do not consider the importance of hair health, of consistent conditioner, doctor’s visits, the works. This hour definitely helped me recenter myself in the importance of proper self-care and helped me not feel too guilty about wanting to spend a little extra on hair-care products.

Migration, Discrimination, Gentrification

Posted on by

During the table talk with GRF Sam, the group touched upon the implications of gentrification for immigrants and political participation. As a collective, we saw a connection between communities being split up, and therefore losing a cultural group, to a loss of identity, a diminishment of unity, and consequently a lack of political participation. Having perspectives from students at the table who come from immigrant families also highlighted the contrasting experience different immigrant groups have, especially depending on the strength of the cultural community one is entering. GRF Sam gave insight into the intersectionality of his research, migrant discrimination, and other topics relevant to us as students. Overall, I gained valuable insight from different perspectives, experiences, and learned more about the relevance of GRF Sam’s research.

Rose Cafe: Ruth Magreta

Posted on by

Oftentimes when examining an impoverished area, we allow our own experiences and perspectives to seep into the analysis. While running water and electricity may seem normal and expected to us, privileged individuals, those living in poverty have never experienced such luxuries. Ruth Magreta’s experience and presentation helped actualize my privilege and what I take for granted. Beyond that, Ruth’s lightbulb moment helped put in perspective the reality of diminishing resources and the effort necessary on our part to keep alive what we seem as a norm. I really appreciate the scholars taking time out of their busy schedules to speak with us and share their experiences.

9/6 Gothic Discussion

Posted on by

Coming together for the first Rose event of the year to discuss our common grievances was an incredible bonding experience. We were able to vocalize how we felt and feel listened to. In addition, we were able to foster a discussion that granted insight to all, especially Rose residents fortunate enough to avoid Gothics. Nonetheless, I feel more at home in my Gothic now.