According to the excerpt by Glaeser, The Triumph of the City, a majority of the world chooses to lives in dense, urban cities. Close proximity as a result, leads to idea sharing. Sharing of ideas consequently creates a hub of activity and innovation, which grows and declines as people learn best and worst practices from each other and other cities. (Glaeser, 1) Progress takes place when a society adopts best practices and adapts quickly to change. Looking back, the trend of living close and being connected by values, identity, and language has always been prevalent in human nature. The structure of Native American tribes supports the human instinct to create a community of people with shared interests and beliefs. Today, one of the most influential …show more content…
Governments instead control the use of land, which is exercised through zoning laws and regulations. (Peterson, 12) My family re-located to Fresno in the early 20th century, and I have wondered why they would choose to settle in an area with such uncontrollable traits (e.g. hot, dry, air pollution). At the same time, Fresno and the Central Valley are known across the world for their rich agricultural production. Eating locally grown fruit, going to a high school with an Agriculture farm, and having a friend who is Rodeo Queen has become strong identifiers for me of the place I come from. I personally have experienced how inhabitants of a city share a distinctive culture with one another and the land that they …show more content…
As I have been exposed to the metropolitan area of Berkeley, I have embraced the common values of acceptance and open-mindedness to change which were less-prevalent in my conservative and traditional city back home. For example, issues recently led to a law-suit against my high schools strict dress code policy. According to Mackenzie May’s article in the Fresno Bee, members of the city are willing to put their funds together to prevent being sued by the American Civil Liberties Union. I disagree with this action and feel that the money could be put to greater use like improving the education system. I notice a contrast in the schooling methods I am experiencing at Berkeley; it is one that is thriving and allowing individuals to express their individuality and not be suppressed from creativity.