Reading Questions: “Fortress Los Angeles” by Mike Davis…

Reading Questions: “Fortress Los Angeles” by Mike Davis
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Watch the trailers for the films mentioned in the second paragraph: Escape from New York, Running Man, Bladerunner, Die Hard, and Colors. Describe the trailers and what they have in common.
In the first three paragraphs, what is Davis’ tone? What is Davis’ argument and purpose in writing this way? (pgs. 154-155)
How does Davis use the word: “agora”?  What is the meaning of the term: “public sphere”? How does access to voting or high-speed internet relate to these terms? (pgs. 154-155)
Describe the “superblocks” of the financial district. What is the meaning of the phrase: “socio-spatial strategy”? How does the idea of social boundaries relate to Jacobs’ institution or Turf? (pgs. 156-160)
Give some examples, both from the essay and of your own, of the “militarized syntax” of urban architecture. How is architecture used to police social boundaries? (pgs. 156-160)
What is the condition of Skid Row or McArthur Park as Davis describes them? What has happened? What changes have they seen? (pgs. 160-164)
Find a photo of one of the Frank Gehry buildings in Los Angeles that Davis discusses.  Compare what you see in the photo to Davis description.  What do you see? (pgs. 164-172)
How does Charles Murray suggest public policy, zoning, and development could be used to prevent and punish crime? (pgs. 172-180)