Description
Reflective essays on the reading material
An analytical perspective on the readings, welcoming critical engagement with the readings
Summarize the essay with strong thoughts and opinions and thought-provoking content.
Incorporate the geography, ecology, and humanities of New York [need not be all-inclusive
Essay must be typed, double-spaced, Arial font, size 12. Also include footnotes and a bibliography. Use MLA format.
Article citations should only be used from the articles provided!!!!
Three papers are provided
Sample article: write an article similar to the sample article [pictures can be added, footnotes are needed to cite sources]
Use primarily the Space and place article and secondarily analyze it in conjunction with the non place marc auge article.
Since this is a scholarly article, please try to avoid the use of first person pronouns: i.
If you want to say “I will present” or “I have described” then use “The paper will present” or “As described in the paper.”
– Clearly formulate the question for analysis
– Clearly articulates the thesis
– Use textual evidence carefully and logically to support your argument
– Organize your thoughts and reason carefully
– Document sources correctly
– Conclusions are strong and clear
– Write effectively and clearly, including grammatically correct, accurate word choice, and varied sentence structure.
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May Joseph is a writer and educator with expertise in climate change and sustainability
issues. In her text “Archipelagoes of the Unseen,” Sealog: Indian Ocean to New York the author
delves into the organization of spaces in Medieval Europe and New York City, particularly
examining the influence of diseases like leprosy and the plague on spatial arrangements. Within
the context of New York City, the layout of the city was notably impacted by its myriad of
islands, resulting in unplanned development and strategies aimed at isolating specific population
groups. This led to the establishment of various institutions, such as prisons and hospitals, on
these smaller islands. The author emphasizes the importance of comprehending this historical
narrative and its enduring effects on the city, advocating for a decolonial perspective to unveil
concealed facets of its past.
This passage underscores the significance of the
numerous islands encircling Manhattan within New York City.
These islands possess a historical connection to the city’s
development and have served diverse purposes, including
housing prisons, psychiatric hospitals, quarantine facilities,
and low-income housing. She states, “For one, these small
islands shared a coastal topography closer to a marine
wilderness, borne out of a culture of neglect from the
‘mainland’ of the island of Manhattan: affectively, infrastructurally as well as hydrologically.
The particular estuarine environment of salt water and fresh water created distinctive currents
that made the waters around some of the islands treacherous to navigate for swimmers or small
boats, adding to their isolation.1” Often, these islands were secluded due to their challenging
maritime access and were deemed undesirable locales. With the passage of time, certain islands
have undergone transformation into prime real estate, while others remain as silent reminders of
the city’s intricate history. Notably, Roosevelt Island carries a dark history associated with mental
health treatments and isolation. The text accentuates the pivotal role played by these islands in
shaping the city’s urban landscape and historical narrative, scrutinizing their associations with
quarantine, burial grounds, and their susceptibility to ecological vulnerabilities. Islands like Ward
Island, Hart Island, Rikers Island, and Randolph’s Island are burdened by their histories as
necropolises due to their low-lying, waterlogged ecological characteristics, which are further
imperiled by the rising sea levels2.
This text presents an intellectually stimulating exploration of the interwoven tapestry
comprising the history, geography, and ecology of New York City’s islands. It sheds light on the
often disregarded narratives of these islands, their pivotal roles in quarantine practices, burial
customs, and their evolving challenges amidst the backdrop of climate change. In my
perspective, it provides a profound and intricate understanding of the city’s distinctive
relationship with its archipelago. It encourages readers to contemplate the multi-layered history
encompassing colonization, the treatment of marginalized communities, and how these historical
layers continue to mold the city’s contemporary dynamics and future trajectory.
1
Joseph, May. “Archipelagoes of the Unseen.” Sealog: Indian Ocean to New York, 191.
2
Joseph, May. “Archipelagoes of the Unseen.”, 193.
I found it intriguing how New York was significantly impacted by the presence of its
numerous islands, which inadvertently led to haphazard urban development strategies, ultimately
resulting in isolationist approaches. Presently, many of these islands, once home to prisons and
hospitals, have undergone transformation into more attractive locales, largely in response to the
challenges posed by climate change. It’s fascinating that, even today, certain areas within New
York City can make you feel somewhat detached from the bustling metropolis. During my visit
to Governors Island, I couldn’t help but notice the sense of emptiness and the perception of being
removed from the heart of Manhattan, to the extent that it might even feel unsettling to venture
there after dark.
In contrast, the Philippines boasts an abundance of islands surrounded by water.. Due to
this extensive archipelagic nature, certain regions are more isolated from others, effectively
grouped into three main categories: Luzon,
Visayas, and Mindanao. It’s captivating to
observe how some of the once desolate
islands in the Philippines have evolved into
thriving
tourist
destinations.
A
prime
example of this transformation is Boracay,
renowned as one of the world’s top travel
destinations3. Remarkably, it was temporarily closed for an extended period, approximately six
months or more, in order to address the pollution issues stemming from waste. The residents of
Boracay heavily relied on tourism for their livelihoods, leaving them with limited time to prepare
Patrick, Christina. “Spoiler Alert: Know Why Asia’s Top Beach Destination Will Be Shut down for the
next 6 Months.” TravelTriangle, 8 Dec. 2021,
traveltriangle.com/blog/philippines-shuts-down-boracay-island/.
3
for the closure. It’s captivating to witness how landscapes once marred by neglect have now been
rejuvenated into picturesque havens, concealing their less appealing historical past.
My visit to Governors Island spurred a profound contemplation of the authenticity of
wilderness experiences within urban environments. The island’s remarkable transformation
featured meticulously planned green spaces and artificial hills that raised questions about
whether this representation of nature was genuine or a meticulously crafted illusion.
As I traversed the island, it became evident that significant attention to detail had been
dedicated to the creation of these green sanctuaries. Lush gardens, meticulously manicured
lawns, and well-kept walking paths meandered through the landscape, offering the impression of
a seamless integration of urban living and the natural world. The deliberate arrangement of
native and exotic plant species added to the allure, creating a picturesque façade of a seemingly
untamed wilderness.
The artificial hills, in particular, piqued my curiosity. Their strategic placement and
design conveyed the essence of rugged, untouched terrain. As I ascended these hills, I was
treated to panoramic views of the surrounding cityscape, creating a fascinating juxtaposition
between the urban landscape and the illusion of pristine nature. These hills, sculpted by human
hands, sparked contemplation about the paradox they represented: simulating the essence of
wild, untamed land while existing within the heart of a bustling metropolis.
Governors Island’s transformation prompted a fundamental question: Can a carefully
engineered green oasis within an urban environment truly replicate the authenticity of a remote
wilderness? It was evident that every aspect of the island’s environment had been meticulously
planned and controlled, from the placement of trees to the careful grooming of the meadows.
While the island provided a respite from urban life and a semblance of natural escape, it was
impossible to ignore the artifice that underpinned it all.
This visit not only deepened my appreciation for the intricacies of urban planning and the
delicate balance between human intervention and nature but also prompted a philosophical
reflection on our connection to the wild in an increasingly urbanized world. Governors Island,
with its curated wilderness, remains a testament to humanity’s ability to shape the environment,
leaving me with a sense of wonder regarding the boundaries that distinguish what is truly natural
from what is contrived in our modern cities.
In conclusion, much like the islands surrounding New York City, Governors Island
underwent a transformation that reflects the city’s historical and contemporary dynamics. The
deliberate planning of green spaces, artificial hills, and recreational areas on Governors Island
invites contemplation regarding the authenticity of the island’s wilderness experience within an
urban context. Just as Joseph explores how New York’s islands were repurposed and developed
over time, Governors Island’s changing landscape reveals the ongoing relationship between
urban planning and the preservation of natural elements in the city. The island’s evolution reflects
the evolving societal needs and priorities of New York City, mirroring the broader themes of
adaptation and transformation discussed in Joseph’s work.
In essence, Governors Island serves as a microcosm of the broader themes explored in
“Archipelagoes of the Unseen.” It exemplifies the intricate relationship between history,
geography, and ecology within the urban environment, inviting us to consider the layers of its
history and how it continues to shape the island’s present and future.
Bibliography
Joseph, May. “Archipelagoes of the Unseen.” Sealog: Indian Ocean to New York
Patrick, Christina. “Spoiler Alert: Know Why Asia’s Top Beach Destination Will Be Shut down
for the next 6 Months.” TravelTriangle, 8 Dec. 2021,
traveltriangle.com/blog/philippines-shuts-down-boracay-island/.
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