How Urbanization has Culturally and Historically Affected People in Port Of Spain.

History and culture are two aspects of life that people have an emotional attachment to.“ Gandhi proved that one man has the power to take on an empire, using both ethics and intelligence,” (Whipps 2008). The success of Gandhi would remain in history forever. Urbanization has created a medium which allows for history to be easily maintained and destroyed at the same time by changing the way of life for individuals. This is evident in Port Of Spain.

Urbanization has helped to maintain history by exposing Trinidad to a Westernized way of life. The change in culture has brought with it increased need to preserve history. Museums and historical buildings for example, The Magnificent Seven have been showcased more. The contemporary urban life is one that facilitates a greater appreciation for history. Art galleries and studios are now present within Port Of Spain which displays exhibits pertaining to our background and development as a nation. The higher class people spend some of their afternoons at art exhibitions which showcase local culture and history. This has led to a culture that is hybridized, that is incorporates both a Western and Caribbean way of life. Hybridization indicates that there is no pure culture existing (Mohan 2000).

Photograph showing history being preserved in the form of a statue located on Independence Square (Ramadhar 2015).

Urbanization has also affected the space of people over time. Some public places, have been privatized. The public places are also constructed to prevent homeless people from utilizing the space. For example, stilts are placed in between benches to make lying down uncomfortable.

Culture on the other hand, has been maintained in some aspects. From the photograph below, it can be observed that an elderly man and woman are relaxing in Independence Square. Urbanisation has changed the views of the younger generation. The young people are into a lot of technology hence, their interactions with the outside world are limited. A hybridized culture is also observed in this case because, as seen in the photo below a young boy is carrying a cricket bat as he walks through Port Of Spain. This indicates that there is a mix between the Western and Caribbean cultures.

Photograph showing two people relaxing on Independence Square (Ramadhar 2015).

Photograph showing a young person with a cricket bat on independence square (Ramadhar 2015).

Although some of the culture has been lost, urbanization has proven to create more appreciation for historical sites and allowed for hybridization which creates greater diversity in Port Of Spain.

References:

Live Science. 2015. “ How Gandhi Changed The World.” Accessed on March 10, 2015.

http://www.livescience.com/2851-gandhi-changed-world.html

Mohan.2000. “Dislocating Globalisation: Power, Politics and Global Change.” Jstor Geography, Vol. 85, No. 2 (April 2000), pp. 121-133.