Bonds shows the power of the media in bringing attention to environmental issues. It's unfortunate that mainstream media often ignores issues affecting marginalized communities, such as those in Appalachia.

Bonds highlights the negative stereotypes and prejudices that Appalachians face in mainstream American society. She argues that the media has perpetuated these stereotypes, which have been used to justify exploitation and discrimination against the people of Appalachia.

It's heartbreaking to hear about the dead fish in the creek that used to be a source of joy and recreation for the community. The coal industry has not only destroyed the mountains and rivers but also the way of life and culture of the people who have lived in these areas for generations.

The coal companies even used tactics such as sponsoring sports teams to distract and divide the community. This highlights the need for solidarity and collective action to challenge the oppressive systems that have been in place for generations.

It's heartbreaking to think that these hardworking individuals were not compensated fairly for the dangerous work they did, and that their sacrifices often went unnoticed and ignored. It serves as a reminder of the importance of advocating for workers' rights and fighting against exploitation in any industry.

This quote speaks to the heart of Bonds' activism and her deep connection to her Appalachian roots. She recognizes that the destruction of the mountains is not only an environmental issue but a cultural one as well.

A powerful example of the dismissive attitude that many activists face when advocating for environmental protection in resource-dependent regions. The coal industry has long held a dominant position in Appalachia, and this has often led to a sense of entitlement among its leaders and supporters.

We see the intersection of faith and environmentalism. Bonds' belief that God's earth should be respected and protected informs her fight against mountaintop removal.

Bonds is pointing out the way in which the coal mining industry has a hold over the community, both through economic dependence and through psychological manipulation. The reference to Stockholm syndrome is particularly striking, as it highlights the way in which people can become trapped in an abusive relationship and begin to identify with their abuser.

A powerful statement that highlights the tension between preserving cultural heritage and the destructive nature of resource extraction industries. Bonds is passionate about saving her community's culture and heritage, and she is not afraid to speak out against the harmful practices of the coal mining industry.

Glad to see how proud of her heritage Bonds is, while many people are ashamed or scared to be a vocal hillbilly.

Incredible the lengths her mother had to go to to protect her husband from the coal industry and its effects. Threatening an insurance worker with a drawn pistol.

A sad reality of these old mining towns, that have nothing to depend on after the mines are closed. Most of the residents worked in the industry and the other businesses served the coal miners, and with them gone, they have nobody to serve.

Unfortunately a common sight in these small mining towns after their boom in the 20th century. They are often left mostly abandoned and deserted.

The article reflects on the ways in which gentrification and urban development practices are violent, racialized, and extractive. The author uses Anzaldua's borderland analytic to examine how these practices impact the creative and sonic geographies of the city, and how they are actively resisted by Black, Latinx, and Indigenous residents who are creating brown commons as sites of liberation. The piece argues that the gentrifying city is not a site of enclosure but rather one of racial banishment and expulsion, which requires an attention to the lived experiences of borderland subjects and the urban futures imagined by them. The article highlights the ways in which collective efforts by cultural, abolitionist, and decolonial Oakland collectives are resisting the forces of dispossession and creating new commons that are for the multitude.

Through mass drumming protests, land trusts, cultural zones, and the simple act of claiming public space, collectives like SambaFunk and CURYJ are resisting the forces that seek to dispossess them. It is in the creative geographies of dispossessed peoples that urban futures are being made.

Cat Brooks highlights the urgency of the situation faced by communities of color in gentrifying cities. Gentrification is not just a mundane process of redevelopment and cultural shifts, but a violent practice of erasure, incarceration, and extraction, defending the interests of the capitalist class and white supremacist regime.

This highlights the issue of gentrification and the violent erasure of Black cultural spaces in Oakland. The idea that the cultural geographies of Black Oaklanders are deemed out of place and their public joy is hostile or even illegal, reveals the violent re-ordering of space to meet white supremacist sensory norms.

The incident at Lake Merritt exemplifies how Blackness in public space is often policed and deemed criminal, while white voices are privileged and legitimized. McDonald's statement is a classic example of a white person using their power to police and control the bodies and sounds of Black people, and dismissing their cultural practices as bad behavior.

This connection speaks to the larger issue of systemic racism, where Black and Brown communities are disproportionately policed and criminalized, leading to their displacement and dispossession of property.

This raises questions about the ethics and efficacy of using law enforcement tactics to advance gentrification, which can exacerbate inequalities and push marginalized communities out of their neighborhoods.

Gang injunctions may not always be implemented to reduce crime rates or improve public safety, but rather to serve the interests of wealthier communities and developers who seek to displace low-income residents.

This important statement highlights the deep-seated racial inequalities and injustices that continue to persist in our society. It is unacceptable that people of color are systematically targeted and criminalized, even for behaviors that are legal for others.

This is the biggest issue with this practice, regular students are seen as gang members, and get treated as ones. This could even make real life in a gang become more attractive, especially if they are surrounded by this.

This highlights the ways in which gangs can provide a sense of belonging and support for marginalized communities that are often neglected by government institutions. Instead of investing in social services that could help these communities thrive, the state has chosen to invest in a system of criminalization and punishment.

The use of gang injunctions in Oakland is an example of how the criminal justice system can exacerbate the displacement and dispossession of vulnerable communities.

This statement highlights the ways in which certain groups, particularly communities of color, are disproportionately affected by systems of power and capitalism. It is a poignant reminder that urban development is not a neutral process and that those who are marginalized and vulnerable are often the ones who bear the brunt of displacement and dispossession.

This quote highlights the insidious nature of borderlands and the ways in which it permeates urban spaces. It underscores the reality that policies and practices that enforce borders and criminalize migrants are not limited to border regions but are instead woven into the fabric of urban life.

The subject of borderlands is not only resisting dispossession in organized ways, but also in everyday modes. This is an important aspect to consider when analyzing urban space, as it shows how resistance can take various forms, not just those that are visible and formal.

As Anzaldua suggests, the spaces in between dominant categories, such as the borderlands, can give birth to new ideas and ways of being.

We see the inherent tension and unease that borders create, both physical and metaphorical. Applying Anzaldúa's concept of borderlands to gentrifying cities and the ways in which capitalist extraction and radicalized dispossession play out in these spaces is important to understand and try to alleviate this issue.

Here we see the violence and harm that gentrification can inflict on low-income communities of color. Gentrification is often marketed as a process of urban revitalization, but it can actually displace long-time residents, erode community culture. We need to examine gentrification through Andalzua's borderlands analytic in order to understand the complex ways in which borders are constructed and policed.

This highlights the ways in which gentrification can displace low-income communities of color and criminalize their existence in public spaces.

The authors argue that there was a link between white suburbanization and rising black homeownership in the mid-twentieth century. As white households left central cities, the price of housing units conducive to owner-occupancy fell and many black households on the margin of renting and ownership chose to become homeowners. The effect of white suburbanization on black owner-occupancy in central cities was largely confined to the mid-twentieth century for three historical reasons: the Great Migration of African-Americans from the rural South, changes in transportation technology and infrastructure, and black households gaining access to the suburbs.

This highlights the potential positive impact of declining housing prices on black homeownership. However, it is important to note that this trend may not be generalizable to all cities, and further research is needed.

This highlights the importance of owner-occupancy in maintaining and upgrading single-family dwellings. However, the argument is somewhat limited as it assumes that all landlords are unable to properly monitor tenants.

This shows that even in a post-war booming economy, black homeowners don't enjoy the benefits that the white ones experience.

It's interesting how one racist fueled process can have an ironic and counter effect.

Interesting that the new legislation regarding housing doesn't account for the extent of white suburbanization and a black city core.

We can see how different city life is for African-Americans was in the 1940's before gentrification was an issue.

Here we see the interconnectedness of housing trends and how the increase in black homeownership in central cities actually contributed to the rise of white suburbanization.

All in all, citizens (should) have a chance to reshape the city and rebuilding a living city takes imagination. Considering this, we the citizens, and not exclusively the architects and planners, are the best judges of the city and its feel, look and ease-of-use.

Planners should consider the layout of the downtown area making sure that cultural centers are integrated into the existing fabric of the city rather than being isolated from one another.

Once a certain type of urban development model is established, it becomes difficult to deviate from it even if it is not the most effective approach. Unfortunately, urban redevelopment projects often prioritize profit over the needs of residents and the quality of urban life.

Focal points that have a lasting impact and continue to surprise and delight visitors and shouldn't become stale over time. This requires careful planning and design, as well as a willingness to take risks and create unique and unexpected features that capture people's attention.

This shows how fountains can have a big impact of people's emotions. I agree and believe that the presence of water and the soothing sound of fountains helps to create a calming environment.

Here, we should emphasize the importance of considering the people who will use a space and making sure that their needs are met. It is not enough to simply create a space and expect people to use it.

This is an important reminder that cities should be designed for people and their everyday activities, rather than just for the convenience of developers or for aesthetic purposes.

This is what makes city centers so appealing and interesting to be in. These small enterprises make up the "soul" of a city center.

I love and am very used to urban streets being cobblestone streets, this separates the pedestrian spaces from the automobile areas creating a better urban atmosphere in my opinion.

This showcases the importance of the street as a key element for revitalizing downtown areas. There are so many untapped possibilities for creating vibrant and attractive urban spaces.

This is very interesting and obvious to me, as someone who grew up in an old European town. It was shocking to see how un-walkable the US is. It was made for cars, not people. People in suburbs in the US cannot live without a car, even sidewalks are a luxury. A 4 minute drive, which I'm used to resulting in a 15-20 minute walk is often impossible to walk in the US. These seemingly short walks result in having to cross highways and huge intersections. The only walkable US cities are huge urban areas such as New York City and such. In other areas life without a car is impossible. Life becomes commuting to work in your car, and spending hours and hours in your car. This just adds to the US's health and obesity problem, because you don't even get the opportunity to walk somewhere, you can't.

These are really interesting questions, and the answers are complex and teach us a very valuable history lesson, not a happy and positive one.

The focus on redevelopment projects in cities, driven by a desire for order and uniformity, risks sacrificing the unique character of each city's downtown area. As someone who has lived in several different cities, I have come to appreciate the distinctive personalities and quirks of each one, and worry that the trend towards homogenization will rob us of the excitement and richness that comes from exploring and experiencing different places.

The Menu of Chapters exposes the harsh reality of the food system, revealing the stark inequalities that persist in the global distribution of food, with the wealthy few benefiting at the expense of the poor, while also offering hope for change through reconfiguring power relations in the system.

Acknowledging the contradictions and challenges within these movements is vey important, such as the potential for rural discontent to fuel conservative and xenophobic ideologies.

These movements and organizations are not just fighting for their own survival, but for a vision of a more just and equitable food system that puts the needs of people and the planet ahead of corporate profit.

Sad to see the real victims of this system, the vary people that keep in alive, people in rural areas. This only furthers the urban rural debate and divide.

The global food system perpetuates a cycle of low wages and limited opportunities for farmers while benefiting large corporations like Nestlé and Starbucks who hold a monopoly over the market. This leaves farmers with few choices and limited power in a system that favors the wealthy.

Just collateral damage for Nestlé's profit-driven business model. It's hard not to feel a sense of frustration and powerlessness when faced with such a stark example of the imbalance of power between corporations and individuals in the industry.

The sad reality of the small modern day farmer in this region.

Sad to see probably generational small coffee growers get pushed out of his craft, considering Uganda is one of the world s biggest coffee producers.

Interesting and somewhat concerning that a "regular" person would think that his everyday choices are so predetermined and influential, from something that seems like a mundane act.

This shows how the romanticized narrative of farming and food production that many of us hold onto is a product of fairy tales and children's programming. Obscuring the harsh realities faced by farmers in the Global South who are forced to make difficult decisions based on market demands and limited options.

The illusion of choice in our food system has led to an epidemic of diet-related diseases, as corporations prioritize profit over nutrition. Even children's cereal is loaded with excess sugar, rendering personal choice irrelevant in the face of a broken system.

We see that the idea that obesity is solely a result of personal choices is overturned by evidence that geography and poverty are also significant factors and the consequences of our food system are resulting in malnourished children becoming obese.

It's heartbreaking to see how the consequences of the food industry's actions, from allowing food to rot to promoting unhealthy diets, have such a devastating impact on people's lives and health, particularly those who are most vulnerable and marginalized.

This shows how the industrialized production of food by corporations has resulted in limited choices for consumers and negative consequences for the environment, health, and social justice all together.

We see how the limitations in food choices imposed by profit-driven corporations are not only evident in fast food outlets, but also in seemingly healthy options like apples, chosen for their appearance rather than nutritional value, highlighting the need for a more holistic approach to food production and consumption.

Treuer deals with the complex realities of Native American life on reservations. He reflects on his personal experiences with trauma, loss, addiction, and the challenges of reservation life. He also questions what these experiences say about the unique challenges faced by Indigenous people in America, and what can be learned from the history and culture of reservations. Through personal anecdotes and introspective reflections, he invites readers to engage with these issues critically and consider the ongoing struggles faced by Native Americans in contemporary America. Overall, he highlights the complexity and resilience of Indigenous communities and the importance of recognizing and honoring their experiences and perspectives.

Treuer wonders about the meaning of these experiences and what they reveal about the unique challenges faced by Indigenous people in America. Through personal anecdotes , he suggests that reservations are complex places with a rich history and culture that are often overlooked by mainstream society.

Jesse's struggle with addiction and the challenges faced by his family members, such as his girlfriend, are described in such a raw and honest way, highlighting the devastating effects of addiction on individuals and families.

Here Treuer descirbes the disturbing experience he had after cleaning up his grandfather's blood and brain following his death. He saw the blood every time they closed their eyes, which led him to question his life on the reservation and whether there was something more to it than just blood and violence.

Such a sad portrail of a very traumatic event of the suicide of the authors grandfather in such a communal space at home.

Treuer shares a personal account of their grandfather's tough and distant personality, stemming from his experiences as a WWII veteran and impoverished life on the reservation. This story sheds light on the resilience and sacrifices of Native American elders, challenging stereotypes and promoting empathy towards their struggles.

Here Treuer offers a nuanced and complex portrait of his grandfather, one that challenges simplistic notions of what a traditional Native American elder should be; through their portrayal, he critiques stereotypes and highlights the diversity of experiences and personalities within Indigenous communities.

Here Treuer challenges the common mischaracterization of Ojibwe people as stoic and instead presents a heartfelt and personal example of the deep emotions and pain experienced within his community.

This passage highlights the diversity and richness of Ojibwe culture, from their varied reservations and traditions to their engineering feats and linguistic contributions, showing the beauty and complexity of a often-overlooked Indigenous community.

Here Treuer talks about his Ojibwe tribe, highlighting their migration from the eastern seaboard to the Great Lakes region, their vastness and their underrated nature. He also points out that his tribe is not as well-known as the Sioux and Cherokee tribes, and laments the lack of cool-sounding names for their chiefs.

This is perhaps the thing i find most issue with the Anglo-Americans that invaded this area. capitalizing on the good faith, spirituality and closeness of the Indigenous communities.

We see the economic issues with living on reservations, which is making living on these reservations very problematic for the people whose land this is. Many reservations then have to resort to opening tax-free casinos and such, which shows they are adapting to their new surroundings but shows their poor economic situation.

This personal story of the author's father, a Jewish refugee who found safety and a sense of belonging on a Native American reservation, shows the deep connections that can be formed between individuals and cultures that have been historically marginalized and oppressed.

This is interesting and an unfortunate reality of the US and the culture that has come from the displacement and horrible treating of the people Indigenous to this land that is now the US.

The presence of reservations and signs on them in the United States highlights the government's history of exploitation and mistreatment of Native American communities. This is why most reservations remain poor because of the ongoing systemic oppression and neglect they face.

Slavery unfortunately exists even it todays world, and this is one of its forms. Its sad that this is what the mujer indocumentada is resorted to doing because of economic instability and uncertainty.

Here Andalzua explores the tradition of migration of Mexicans and Chicanos to the United States, discussing the push factors and methods of crossing the border, and the cultural and historical significance of the "return odyssey" to Aztlán. She also touches upon the exploitation of Mexican labor in the United States throughout history.

This part discusses the impact of US companies on Mexico's economy, particularly through maquiladoras, and how the exploitation of Mexican workers and resources has changed their way of life and contributed to the country's economic crisis.

The text highlights the exploitative nature of sharecropping and the unjust economic practices of corporations, while emphasizing the importance of food and its role in preserving cultural heritage. this reminds us of the significance of recognizing the resilience of marginalized communities and acknowledging the importance of listening to and learning from diverse perspectives and experiences.

This exposes the mistreatment of the tejanos, who were forced from their land and subjected to atrocities by illegal Anglo settlers, and how the Battle of the Alamo became a symbol for white imperialist takeover, legitimizing their dispossession and marginalization.

Very interesting that the arrival of the colonialists actually made a whole new race that would later become Mexican-Americans.

It is important to recognize the impact that patriarchal systems have had on society and how they have contributed to the marginalization and subjugation of women. By understanding the historical roots of these systems, we can work towards creating more equitable and just societies.

In her poem, the speaker contemplates the meeting of land and sea, and reflects on the contrasting experiences of border communities in the US and Mexico, which underscores the complexities of identity and belonging among indigenous people, particularly the Aztecas del norte who are seen as both Native Americans and Chicanos.

Sad that these actions from the 19th century still have a lasting impact on Mexico and its economy to this day

Unfortunately a very common occurrence for the US and its disputes regarding indigenous land. We saw a lot of this at the museum of the American Indian and the many treaties that were left not honored even to today.

How interesting it is that these areas were not US controlled and were inhabitted by the people native to the land until as close as 1846. So many Americans take this for granted today and forget that that land was not always US controlled.

amazing to think about where they would have lead to as a civilization if the white Europeans hadn't committed genocide and stole all their riches

this shows the fear with which ordinary citizens on the US border live with, even being afraid of running and playing in the field

We see how liberating the free hills were for bell hooks, she found solitude in the vast empty hills

We can see how deeply connected bell hooks is to the actual land she was raised on

This might be one of the only issues with young children at the gardens

This is a great example of how community gardens can shape kids young lives.

I feel that getting kind involved in this type of project is paramount for the future of this project and having people and their kids come together in a space like this is what it's all about.

A garden of this sort is a great way for a community to start rebuilding itself, and food is something that people can come together about very easily. But the garden is a great start and the necessary platform and instrument for change in such low-income neighborhoods.

Its sad to see these low-income neighborhoods being disregarded and left to their own devices when they are the ones that truly need the help, leadership and funding.

Great metaphor to describe the importance and symbolism of a community garden in such an area.

As sad it is to see someone doing such a thing, its great that Mr. Harris isn't discouraged because of this hiccup.

Even though the garden is supposed to bring people together and not start disputes and issues between people, it is nice to see that people care about their community.

The organization as a body is not the highlight here, the people are.

A bit sad that such a non-political thing like a community garden and centre can't function without funding from the government and the lobbying of politicians.

Good to see that Mr. Harris is recycling old products and packaging to help his make-shift greenhouse.

Also sad to see the unfortunate reality that a lot of these gardens are very underfunded and the only problems they face are usually financial.

Truly inspiring to see someone like Mr. Harris who is really devoted to his community garden.

I like how the garden in this community signalized the resilience in the people of the community and willingness to achieve real change within their otherwise troubled community.

This sounds way too close to the racial segregation we saw across the US in the 20th century. It reminds me of the old maps of cities and neighborhoods we looked at.

Pedestrian friendly environments do so much to bring communities together, this is something the US as a whole needs to work on. This country is built for cars.

Having people come together for a common good in areas like this is a great thing

Its nice to see that they are checking up on the residents' health

I love that they are dancing and having fun at such a community fostering event