announcements

This blog was created by and for students in an Introduction to Cultural Studies class at the University of Washington. Through an investigation of urban experience and representation--in theory, in graphic novels and in our own "readings" of Seattle's University District--we considered the formation and history of cultural studies as an (anti)discipline, with a special emphasis on the questions, "What does cultural studies do, and how do you do cultural studies?"

If you'd like to know more about the class, the blog or our U-District artifact project, please contact Gabrielle Dean: gnodean@u.washington.edu.

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

The Burke-Gilman Trail- from the intersection of Pend Orielle Road and 30 yards South

This section of the asphault trail, besides the intersection, is about 15 wide and is covered in a blanket of trees. At the intersection the road is sandwiched by two stop signs and thee waist high posts. The stops have blinking red lights, which is powered by what looks to be like a solar panel.

The social-cultural uses of my artifact are jogging, walking or strolling, commuting, berry picking, and more. The most popular use of the trail is biking. Some like to bike for pleasure and some use the trail to get from one place to another. Within these uses, the trail offers a social space in which people can converse and interact. Since the trail is 15 ft wide there can be many different uses occuring at the same time.

The place and role that the trail serves is one that is unique. It not only offers a social space in which to carry out sportlike activities, but it represents something more to the community. The trail gives the community an opportunity to stay healthy and contribute to the environment in a good way by not driving a car for their comute. My specific part of the trail also allows cars and the users of the trail to interact, although there is some tension at the interesection.
Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)