AMS205 Midterm
HEYMAN, Rich. 2010. "Locating the Mississippi: Landscape, Nature, and National Territoriality at the Mississippi Headwaters." What is the thesis of this article?
"I argue that expeditions to map the river by Spanish, French, British, and American explorers, rather than representing the "discovery" or "scientific" determining of a preexisting natural object, constitute the social construction of the river through repeated attempts to fix the river within European ways of knowing and make it intelligible in ways that made both the river and knowledge of it autonomous from indigenous forms of knowledge, to make it appear as a wholly "natural" object."
Explain why Heyman claims that the map of the Mississippi River (and the landmarks identifying its location in real space) is the product of the history of territorial expansion rather than the "natural" features of the waterway.
According to Heyman, the Mississippi River's map and landmarks have been influenced more by the history of territorial expansion than its natural attributes. Colonization, settlement, and territorial control have shaped the river's map and landmarks, which do not merely mirror the river's physical features.
Why is the territorial status of Guantanamo so complicated?
Because Guantanamo is a U.S. military post on Cuban territory that has been leased to the United States since 1903, its territorial status is complicated. In terms of sovereignty, human rights, and international law, this particular structure presents legal and jurisdictional challenges.
What are the implications of adopting a legal finding that "the constitution follows the flag" for detainees at Guantanamo?
Detainees at Guantanamo would be entitled to the same constitutional rights and protections as anyone living in the United States if the legal conclusion that "the constitution follows the flag" were adopted. This would suggest that they must to be able to exercise their constitutionally protected rights to habeas corpus and due process. As a result, inmates in Guantanamo would probably have more solid legal defenses against their treatment and detention.
What motivates the modern Tinkhams?
Don and Karen are motivated by a desire to escape urban demands, prioritize their family's well-being, seek a simpler lifestyle, connect with nature, and pursue personal fulfillment.
Why does Haag focus her analysis on "gun cultures" rather than "gun rights"?
Haag focuses more on "gun cultures" rather than "gun rights" because she's more interested in society's attitudes, behaviors, and historical context surrounding guns, rather than focusing on the legal and political aspects of guns.
In your own words, identify and explain Schein's definition of 'landscape.'
In Schein's article, he redefines 'landscape' as more than a physical view. Schein sees it as a dynamic, socially constructed concept that includes both the physical features of a place and the meanings behind it according to individuals and communities. Schein emphasizes that landscapes aren't just a result of natural processes; they are heavily influenced by human activities, perceptions, and interpretations.
In your opinion, which of the three photographers discussed by Phu (i.e. Lange, Adams, or Miyatake) did the best job of documenting the internment of Japanese Americans during WWII? Explain.
In my opinion, Lange did the best job documenting the internment of Japanese Americans during WWII because her photographs captured the human experience with depth and empathy, showing the toll of displacement it took on Japanese Americans. Her images resonate strongly with the people confined in the internment camps.
What was the composition (i.e. size, gender mix, age ranges, biological relationship) of each of the three household portrayed by J.B. Jackson?
In the first household, Nehemiah Tinkham, along with his wife Submit and six children, lived in Jerusha, New England. The composition of their household included parents (Nehemiah and Submit) and their children. In the second household, Pliny Tinkham, along with his wife Matilda and three children, moved to Illium, Illinois. The composition of their household included parents (Pliny and Matilda) and their three children. The third household mentioned in the text is not explicitly described in terms of its composition, as it refers to the old house lived in by one of Noah's aunts in Jerusha.
Summarize the critique of constructing a monument to Onate on the grounds of the New Mexico State History Museum.
Onate's actions, such as the Acoma Massacre, are controversial and should not be associated with a monument. Instead of honoring people like Onate, who represent colonial oppression, efforts should be made to highlight the contributions and experiences of marginalized groups in New Mexico's history. Building a monument dedicated to Onate could create one-sided information of history that leaves out the perspectives and experiences of indigenous people. The monument would be viewed as celebrating Spanish colonialism, which could be offensive to Native American communities who suffered under Onate's rule.
SULLIVAN, Susan. 2007. "White Ignorance and Colonial Oppression, Or, Why I know so little about Puerto Rico," Explain Sullivan's concept of "knowledge/ignorance" in your own words.
The "knowledge/ignorance" concept developed by Susan Sullivan examines how colonialism and other oppressive regimes shape people's perceptions of what they know and don't know. She argues that white ignorance is caused by historical and current systems of dominance that purposefully suppress particular viewpoints and experiences, including those of Puerto Ricans, rather than just being a lack of understanding. This ignorance is not coincidental; it is influenced by the desires of the powerful to hold onto their position of authority.
Who built "The Alamo"? When? and Why?
The Alamo was built by Spanish missionaries in the 18th century as a mission fortress. It was constructed in San Antonio, Texas, as part of Spain's efforts to colonize the region and convert indigenous peoples to Christianity.
How and why did the DRT transform The Alamo to match their vision of Texas history?
The Daughters of the Republic of Texas (DRT) transformed The Alamo to align with their vision of Texas history by focusing on certain narratives and symbols while downplaying others. They looked to create a consumer landscape that reflected their interpretation of Texas identity, focusing on heroic narratives and cultural symbols that supported their perspective. This transformation aimed to shape public perception of The Alamo and its historical significance according to the DRT's desired portrayal of Texas history.
Explain how Walt Disney created a "mental map of the national experience."
Walt Disney did this by using symbolic representations of the American West. By designing attractions like Mark Twain Riverboat and Crockett Explorer Canoes, Disney created a narrative that surrounded American values and history. Through his storytelling and experiences, he was trying to get people to feel strong feelings of spirit, exploration, and adventure, hoping the nation would appreciate the American West as a form of national identity.
FIELDS, Alison. 2011. "New Mexico's Cuarto Centenario: History in Visual Dialogue." - What is the thesis statement of this article?
"The effects of historical trauma on individuals and their modes of remembering are ongoing and cannot reach discursive or figural closure."
What does Steven Hoelscher mean by "the white pillared past"?
"The white pillared past" means a romanticized version of the past. Hoelscher is referring to white Southerners creating their own narrative and glossing over what really happened during the antebellum period - like slavery and racial oppression.
What similarities do you see between the "Numbe Wageh" memorial (discussed in the Fields reading) and the "Southern Road to Freedom" public history project ?
-Both projects center on histories that are often looked past or ignored in mainstream narratives - "Numbe Wageh" focuses on the history of Chinese immigrants who faced discrimination and violence in the American West, while the "Southern Road to -Freedom" project focuses on the struggles and achievements of African Americans during the civil rights movement. -Both projects involve community engagement and collabs. The creation of the "Numbe Wageh" memorial involved collaboration between ancestors of Chinese immigrants and other community members, as well as scholars and artists. The "Southern Road to Freedom" project involved input from local communities, activists, and historians in shaping its content and message. Overall, both projects wanted to inform the public and kind of shape public memory.
How are the modern Tinkhams different from their ancestors?
1. Urban to rural transition - Their ancestors chose to live from plain areas to more suburban areas. While Don and Karen chose the opposite approach. 2. Occupations and lifestyle - Don is a portfolio manager and Karen is a corporate lawyer. Their ancestors were farmers. 3. Attitude with Change - Their ancestors were more accepting of the changes in their areas.
Drawing on a unique example not mentioned by Foote in this article, explain why a community might choose to "obliterate" a site of violence or tragedy.
A community might choose to "obliterate" a site of violence or tragedy for many reasons, one of which could be to remove a painful reminder of the event and promote healing and closure for the affected people of the community. By erasing physical traces of the event, the community aims to regain positivity, preventing it from becoming an area of ongoing trauma. Additionally, removing the site could help break the cycle of violence associated with it and allow the community to move forward without being constantly haunted by the past.
According to Haag, how and why did American "learn to love the gun"?
According to Haag, Americans learned to "love the gun" because the gun became more widespread. More and more people were using it and it was easily available. The gun also aligned with the American identity, like freedom and self-reliance. The gun actively promoted the idea of guns being tools for protection, and even symbolizing power.
Drawing on two different examples in the reading, how has "knowledge" about Puerto Rico created--rather than overcome--"ignorance" of the island?
In the reading, Sullivan explores how colonial viewpoints have influenced people's understanding of Puerto Rico, contributing to the island's continued ignorance of its political, cultural, and historical background. She cites the underappreciation of Puerto Rico's colonial position in American education and media as one instance that hides the reality of colonial oppression that the island's people endure. Another illustration is the outright disregard of Puerto Rico's identity and connection with the United States, which serves to further misconceptions and ignorance of the sociopolitical backdrop of the island. Overall, Sullivan contends that rather than challenging colonial power relations, mainstream knowledge production about Puerto Rico frequently contributes to their maintenance, sustaining ignorance.
Explain the circumstances that inspired Ken Foote to embark on a field study of landscapes of violence and tragedy.
Ken Foote was inspired to embark on a field study of landscapes of violence and tragedy due to his interest with the impact of historical events on the physical environment. He wanted to explore how places where tragic events occurred are marked and remembered, and how they influence contemporary society.
How have powerful ideas of landscape architecture and design influenced the look, feel and social life of Ashland Park?
Landscape architecture and design have significantly influenced the aesthetics, functionality, and social dynamics of Ashland Park. Elements such as the layout of pathways, the selection of plantings, the inclusion of amenities, and the overall design philosophy shape how people interact with and experience Ashland Park. In the article it states that, "Ashland Park is a suburb, one of those symbolic landscapes representing "part of the iconography of nationhood, part of the shared set of ideas and memories and feelings which bind people together."
Approximately what historical decade(s) did each of the three (fictionalized) generations of Tinkham descendants live?
Nehemiah Tinkham, the first generation, landed on the shores of New England about three hundred years ago, placing him in the early 1600s. Pliny Tinkham, the second generation, moved west to Illinois a little over a century ago, placing him in the late 1800s. The grandson Noah Tinkham, mentioned later in the text, witnessed the beginning of the end of the old order, suggesting a transition into the late 19th or early 20th century.
Identify and describe the geographic setting in which each generation lived.
The first generation, Nehemiah Tinkham, lived in New England, specifically in the settlement of Jerusha. The landscape was described by thick forests, meadows, and rocky hills. The community was compact, centered around a common and a meeting-house, creating a sense of a super-family or a close-knit village. The environment was challenging, with limited farming methods and limited resources. The second generation, Pliny Tinkham, moved to Illium, Illinois, in the plains region, about ten miles north of Illium. The land was filled with rich soil, and Pliny had to clear some woodland for his log cabin, barn, and fences. Unlike Nehemiah, Pliny had to buy the land, choosing 120 acres from a speculative seller. The environment was less hostile, with fertile land, an open landscape, and no "hostiles" to deal with. Pliny faced the challenges of pioneering but had the advantage of adaptability and relied on herself. The geographic settings shaped the experiences and challenges of each generation.
Thy Phu has a different conception of "landscape" than Schein. What is the meaning and significance of "landscape ideologies" in her analysis of Manazar?
The meaning of "landscape ideologies" means the physical environment of the internment camp and how it is constructed, represented, and perceived. She emphasizes how Manazar isn't just a place, but it has shaped the identities and experiences of Japanese Americans.
Who are the modern Tinkhams?
The modern Tinkhams refer to Don Tinkham and Kara Neumann. They are a contemporary couple, discussing their decision to move from an urban environment to a rural setting in western Massachusetts. Don and Karen represent a shift in lifestyle and values, choosing to live in a house in the countryside and engaging in activities such as gardening, stream restoration, and bird habitat development. Their story is presented as a reflection on the evolving relationship between house form, values, and the changing landscape over generations.
FRANCAVIGLIA, Richard. "Walt Disney's Frontierland as an Allegorical Map of the American West." - What is the thesis statement of this article ?
The thesis statement of this article is that Disney's Frontierland theme park shows as a representation and interpretation of the American West. Also how Disney's portrayal of the West reflects broader society's ideas and myths surrounding western expansion and settlement.
