What role does urbanization play within the surplus-generating dynamics of capitalism? And what part do cities play in fueling or abating economic crises? Pioneering Marxist geographer David Harvey talks about 19th century Paris and New York City in the 1970s and how neoliberalism has shaped the city.
George Lipsitz, Footsteps in the Dark: The Hidden Histories of Popular Music U. of Minnesota Press, 2007
According to George Lipsitz, popular music emerges from, and tells stories about, social conditions, power relations, and collective struggles. The songs, especially those that endure, convey histories otherwise hidden from view. Lipsitz also critiques Ken Burns's documentary Jazz and describes how techno emerged from the streets of Detroit.
Saskia Sassen, "Too Big to Save: The End of Financial Capitalism" openDemocracy
Saskia Sassen, "The World's Third Spaces" openDemocracy
Do discussions about globalization adequately deal with the deep transformations taking place? Is the world economic crisis properly called a "crisis"? Saskia Sassen, author of Territory, Authority, Rights, talks about what she calls global cities; argues that it's too late to save the global financial system; and describes arrangements that fall outside the usual national-global binary.
Debugging the Silicon Dream: Real Life in a Virtual World conference
Sherwood & Powell, eds., The San Francisco Labor Landmarks Guide Book
Machine politics, industrial growth, environmental advocacy, labor and community organizing -- these and other factors can determine how urban power is configured and exercised. Nari Rhee describes the political-economic development of Silicon Valley. Also, Robert Cherny and Catherine Powell talk about a new guide to San Francisco labor landmarks.
Martin Sanchez-Jankowski, Cracks in the Pavement: Social Change and Resilience in Poor Neighborhoods UC Press, 2008
Should poor urban neighborhoods be written off as dysfunctional, disorganized, irredeemable? In a new book, Martin Sanchez-Jankowski contends that poor neighborhoods are in fact organized and functional in important ways. He also found that despite material deprivation, many residents manage to craft lives that are meaningful and rewarding.
Rights and Wrongs at the RNC, a NYCLU report (pdf)
In the Middle of a Whirlwind, by the Team Colors Collective
Are city governments truly committed to providing housing and jobs to low- and no-income residents? In his book City of Disorder, Alex Vitale points out that New York City administrations have regularly intervened on the side of big capital, with harsh consequences for a growing underclass. Also, Kevin Van Meter assesses the state of left organizing in the US and urges more dialogue and collaboration.
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