Reflecting on the topics of Indigenous identity and the significance of land covered in class, I have found that these subjects closely relate to my future career aspirations. Currently, I am pursuing a major in structural engineering at UCSD. Within this major, there are various paths one can take, including structural health monitoring, geotechnical engineering, aerospace engineering, and civil engineering. All of these paths intersect with the topics discussed in class. For instance, geotechnical engineering involves studying different soil types and their impact on building foundations. Many Indigenous cultures place great importance on land, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between structural engineering and Indigenous perspectives
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Diaz explores how the word "Manhattan" originates from the Lenape people, who are indigenous to the northeastern woodlands of the United States and Canada. Diaz critiques the misrepresentation of the Lenape people, whose language has been appropriated without acknowledgment of its origins. This discussion prompts me to question my role as a future structural engineer. Am I perpetuating this misrepresentation by contributing to the construction of buildings, streets, and infrastructure in a city with a name derived from Indigenous culture? Does expanding a city with a stolen name further obscure or honor its origins? These questions highlight the complexities of urbanization and indigeneity, challenging me to consider the ethical implications of my …show more content…
Orange's portrayal of a powwow at the Oakland Coliseum, a structure akin to those I may design, prompts reflection on the dual nature of built environments. While the coliseum serves as a gathering place for Indigenous communities, it also becomes a site of violence in the novel. This juxtaposition highlights the potential impact of architectural design on communities, underscoring the importance of creating spaces that foster community well-being.
The Native American resource center mentioned in the book serves as a vital support hub for Indigenous residents of Oakland. Its existence demonstrates the positive role that buildings can play in supporting marginalized communities. This reinforces my belief that buildings designed to serve communities ethically contribute to societal well-being. Thus, as an engineer, I aspire to create structures that uplift and empower diverse
Diaz explores how the word "Manhattan" originates from the Lenape people, who are indigenous to the northeastern woodlands of the United States and Canada. Diaz critiques the misrepresentation of the Lenape people, whose language has been appropriated without acknowledgment of its origins. This discussion prompts me to question my role as a future structural engineer. Am I perpetuating this misrepresentation by contributing to the construction of buildings, streets, and infrastructure in a city with a name derived from Indigenous culture? Does expanding a city with a stolen name further obscure or honor its origins? These questions highlight the complexities of urbanization and indigeneity, challenging me to consider the ethical implications of my …show more content…
Orange's portrayal of a powwow at the Oakland Coliseum, a structure akin to those I may design, prompts reflection on the dual nature of built environments. While the coliseum serves as a gathering place for Indigenous communities, it also becomes a site of violence in the novel. This juxtaposition highlights the potential impact of architectural design on communities, underscoring the importance of creating spaces that foster community well-being.
The Native American resource center mentioned in the book serves as a vital support hub for Indigenous residents of Oakland. Its existence demonstrates the positive role that buildings can play in supporting marginalized communities. This reinforces my belief that buildings designed to serve communities ethically contribute to societal well-being. Thus, as an engineer, I aspire to create structures that uplift and empower diverse