Queering the City

Cities are powerful. They are the population center of the majority of the planet, account for a large majority of economic and cultural output, and have the ability to shape how we see the world. The very term "built environment" expresses this power in its contradictory invocation of natural and cultural. Because our built environments completely envelope us, are daily experiences and ostensibly permanent, they have the force to create subjects, to create mentalities, to create us.

One way that cities do this is in the creation and legitimation of the family. Our wasteful zoning policies and single-family housing all create the idea that there could be no other option than to pump out 2.5 kids and build a picket fence to protect them from the outside world. Let alone the "cleaning up" of public space to be "family-friendly," as described in Samuel Delany's groundbreaking Times Square Red, Times Square Blue. All of the ways our government and other powered interests maintain the nuclear family as the only legitimate lifestyle, painting single mothers, queers, foster children and a whole host of others as detestable.

The politics of the family are complicated. For many the structure works well, and I am not here to tell anyone that they cannot form those relations if they choose. I am, however, strongly promoting a visibility and acceptance of alternatives. The fight for gay marriage provides valuable insight into this discussion. The largest homosexual rights advocacy groups, major media outlets and political parties have made marriage the defining issue for LGBT rights. This trajectory leaves untouched many of the foundations of power and exploitation that are imbedded in the family.

When we build our cities, we create people. Queer studies, as a discipline extremely interested in subjectivities and their creation, could accomplish much more with a sustained effort to interrogate the inequalities sustained by the layouts of our urban centers. Next time you're thinking about zoning plans or the cute house next door, try to remember the politics of the family, and that the state should not be in the business of designing our social relations.

Further reading on the subject:
http://www.thepolisblog.org/2012/07/obsession-with-cars.html
Article about families and suburban landscape.

http://makezine.enoughenough.org/prop8.html
Several well-thought out left-wing critiques of marriage

http://readingfromtheleft.com/PDF/EngelsOrigin.pdf
Friederich Engels on why the capitalist system has a vested interest in maintaining the family.

Defining Radical Urbanism and Moving Forward

Typical Sunday, strolling around the internet looking at the usual mix of cat videos and radical politics, I found this gem. Some of the most-often cited theorists today who work on issues of social justice in the city present what they think it means to be have a radical urban agenda. They all rock quite a bit. Here are a few conversation points the video brings up, that I think are worth discussing as we move forward, trying to bring theory into action:
      
          1. What makes a radical agenda different from a liberal agenda? How would this play out on          the ground?
          2. Who stands to lose power in this struggle? How can we convince them of an alternative view?
          3. The financial system is global. How do grassroots organizers work against a global system? Do we encourage transnational organizing? How? How similar are revolutionary goals around the world?
          4. What kind of potential lies in what Harvey calls the "legitimation crisis?"How can this potential be activated?

Enjoy the video, and as always, conversing in the comments is what it's all about

Interview with Andres Fingeret--Country Leader for Argentina ITDP

 Aug 2012, I conducted an exclusive interview with Mr Fingeret about The Institute for Transportation and Development Policy and their role in the massive changes in the transportation system in Buenos Aires. We discussed past, present and future efforts; goals and ways of measuring them; as well as political and cultural barriers to sustainable and equitable transport.

Interview with Andres Fingeret--Country Leader for Argentina ITDP

Bienvenido a nuestra ciudad ludica-Welcome to OUR ludic city

Hola amigxs!

En este blog escribo propuestas para la imaginacion y la realizacion de ciudades y espacios publicos que incluyan todos. Ya luche contra automoviles o contra urbanizaciones cerradas, aca ecnontras teoria urbana, instrucciones para el activismo y inspiracion por el arte publico.

Ojo! Hay talleres del urbanismo radical y de comida creativo siguiente!

Ademas, vendo salsas mexicanas ricas!!!

Here I will be writing to help imagine and realize cities and public spaces that include everyone. Whether fighting against cars or gated-communities, here you can find urban theory, instructions for activism and inspiration from public art.

Be on the lookout for upcoming workshops on radical urbanism and creative cooking!

Also, I sell delicious Mexican salsas!!


Besos a todxs,
Hugz and Kissz,