VIRTUAL Lisbon Livable Cities

Abstract

For centuries, the United States has portrayed itself as a melting pot of diverse racial, ethnic, and religious identities. However, the deeply rooted system that allows for the othering of individuals in the country misrepresents the so-called “American Dream,” which is often depicted as a promise of open opportunity and equality for everyone. The existing social order in the United States was initially created and is still actively used as a tool for oppression, with the sole goal of upholding and maintaining a hierarchical society, meanwhile constantly changing the script on who is socially acceptable and who is not. On-going discourse harmfully misrepresents marginalized communities through pre-installed ideologies due to the absence of diverse perspectives, allowing for entities of power to exist in echo chambers and vacuums. Currently, a particular focus is on the Hispanic and Latinx community, which is often portrayed in derogatory terms such as animals, rapists, criminals, and drug dealers. This language not only restricts opportunities for individuals within the community but also creates cultural identity crises by instilling fear. Furthermore, such discourse fosters divisions, pitting individuals against one another and eroding the humanity and empathy that should exist within society. This study employs a combination of research methods to analyze the ongoing socio-political injustices faced by the Hispanic and Latinx community, emphasizing the sharing and archiving of individual stories in informal settings. It aims to catalyze resolution, understanding, and unity through empathy while addressing the impact and role of architecture in the social movement.