Hey, guys, sorry this one is a little late, Relay for Life threw off my circadian rhythm a bit and I’m not sure how long I’ve been asleep in the past couple days.
When we were talking about urban decay in the past few class sessions, I could not help but think of Batman and Gotham City. It seemed, in many ways, like the epitome of the concept. It is a morally bankrupt city rampant with crime and super villains, with one beacon of hope, who himself is shrouded in darkness and mystery. The citizens seem very alienated from each other and this is further compounded by the fact that their hero lives a lifestyle, almost through necessity, that embodies isolation. Bruce Wayne is housed in a gated mansion and leaves for appearances at events with individuals he has only superficial connections with. His alter ego, Batman, is also a loner to a large degree and takes time to accept robin as a sidekick. It is a very interesting society. Even Harvey Dent, former District Attorney and defender of the law becomes mutated by a horrible chemical to become Two-Face, a criminal with a twisted, extreme view of the justice system. This is just one example in the city of corruption. Crime bosses control all, ranging from traditional mob bosses to humanoid villains as a few vigilante heroes attempt to hold them back. The most organized groups in the city are criminals, not law enforcement. May such a city never come into existence.
When we spoke about New York and came to the topic of alienation and the distance people feel from one another it really made me think. I truly believe that physical and perceived distance created from overpopulation and long work hours can be overcome through effort. We must be optimistic or we would never undertake the actions necessary to change the type of society we find in the city. I am not saying everyone will be accepting of our efforts, but it is the type of lifestyle and community worth fighting for.
