Author Archives: cs121583

Hi Everyone!

So, after turning in my rough draft last week, I realized that I am a bit dissatisfied with my research.  Although I have a number of sources, I feel as if I need more, especially on the influence of suburbs on city economics, in order to really flesh out my argument.  I also feel as if I need more historical/background sources on the changing role of the police force in United States law enforcement.  This will help to explain the unique position that the police are in today with regards to policing, and working with, communities with people of color, something that is relative new (past 60 years).

Writing the rough draft was also a great way to realize the holes in my argument; I realized that some ideas were obvious to me, but would not necessarily be that forthcoming to my reader.  Looking forward to working out the kinks this week!

Hope everyone else is doing well.  See you tomorrow!

-Celeste

Hey,

I hope everyone is faring well after the storm.  Unfortunately, I am still without power, but being at school today has restored some sense of normalcy!

When last I posted, I had figured out my argument.  Hooray!  Now, I am working on actually formulating the data to substantiate it.  I have an article from Peter Salins, “City, Suburbs, and the Urban Crisis.” It outlines the growing urban crisis, due to the exodus of wealth and business due to suburbs.  Salins argues that, because there is a tax incentive, as well as a social incentive, for people to move to suburbs, it increases the likelihood, leaving cities to do more with less.  Right now, I am trying to find more articles with data that outlines the economic impact of this move on cities, as well as sociological articles as to how the enforcement of Broken Windows changes residents’ perception of crime.

See you all tomorrow!

-Celeste

Hi All,

When last we spoke, I was a bit confused as to where my research was leading me.  Thankfully, my work with my group last week really helped me to figure out my topic. I will be arguing that the reason Broken Windows is used in cities despite rebuttals of its efficacy by experts is not to deter crime. Rather, it’s to change the perception of crime, especially in larger cities where economic stability is directly linked to wealthy residents and businesses.

Right now I am exploring the economic effects of broken windows, and hope to find more data this week. Be safe everyone; right now, I am without power. I hope you all fare better through this storm.

-Celeste

Hello All!

First, I’d like to say that our library research session wasincredibly helpful.  I have found that searching for alternate terms to broken windows theory, such as the link between graffiti and crime, has yielded a lot more results, especially sociological analyses.  Perhaps we could schedule another research class later in the semester?

I believe I may need to get most of my pro-broken windows data from books, as current scholarly articles tend to be less than enthusiastic about its implications.  I’ve recently acquired a book from one of the original theorists about broken windows, George Kelling, titled “Fixing broken windows : restoring order and reducing crime in our communities.”  Although I do hope to find other authors, this should be great for providing background info.

Happy Hunting to All!

-Celeste

Hi Everyone,

So, I’ve finally decided to do my research on the Broken Windows Theory, and  how it affects relationships between the police and urban communities, namely those containing people of color.  The theory states that, in order to prevent larger crimes, heavy policing of smaller crimes is necessary.  Therefore, a large police enforcement is needed around areas with graffiti, abandoned buildings, etc.

The trouble that I’m having with my topic is finding scholarly articles that defend “Broken Windows”.  Most articles automatically link the theory to reinforcing racist ideologies between whites and people of color, but few expand on the possible benefits of its implementation.

Any suggestions?

-Celeste

Hi All,

When last we met, I was debating whether to approach the policy of Stop and Frisk from a historical perspective, or to question its validity by comparing it to cities with similar and dissimilar policies.  From there, I would compare New York’s crime rates to those cities, in an effort to understand whether Stop and Frisk poses a true benefit for the police force and the people it watches over.

I have an stronger interest in looking at the relationship between the police and underprivileged people of color, and the historical tensions that leads to controversy and uproar when a policy like Stop and Frisk is proposed.  However, I am unsure as to how to approach this question, as there are so many underlying questions, such as which groups should I focus on, which cities, and how crime is perceived by both parties.  All while trying to contain my bias against the police force.

I have done some preliminary research; most scholarly sources seem to point to the constitutional implications of a law like Stop and Frisk.  A few articles, such as C.R. Sridhar’s “Broken Windows and Zero Tolerance,” explore the controversy surrounding heavy policing for minor offenses in an attempt to prevent larger offenses.  Although this does not directly address Stop and Frisk, it does address the complications associated with random policing.

I hope to find more articles that directly relate to my topic, but I may have to look into tweaking my question to get more hits.

-Celeste

Hi Everyone,

I am currently a senior at Baruch in Public Affairs; this semester will be my last.  Many moons ago, I had previously attended a college out of state, where I majored in African American studies and minored in economics.  Upon returning to New York, I worked in human resources, as well as imaging sales, before returning to school.

In my spare time, I enjoy reading, writing, watching politics and quirky movies, and going on mini-adventures.  This past weekend, I explored the batteries of Sandy Hook in New Jersey; what once was a military base to protect New York and New Jersey’s waters is now a national park that holds America’s oldest functioning lighthouse.  A half-hour ferry ride from New York that is definitely worth it: http://www.nps.gov/gate/planyourvisit/thingstodosandyhook.htm

I hope this will be a great semester!

-Celeste