Not unless they have lots of politcal power and/or money. It seems that the time is over for "one person" to do much of anything. Maybe plant a tree or something if that's what you mean by "change"
Posted by Judi Alvarez
Tuesday, May 19, 2009, 08:24am
I believe yes and no. One person can start a change in any city, but no not alone as it takes all the people to get involved and stand up; rather than "hiding" or being afraid. Think of your fellow human, not just yourself.
"For the people" Doing It Right Foundation (609) 770-3715
Posted by Bill Deignan
Monday, November 5, 2007, 04:13pm
New York City must continue to build community among the people
who live here. People helping people, people concerned about
their neighbor and people doing positive projects to aid their neighbor.
Service to humanity is the best work of life....bill deignan
Posted by Mark Lewis
Monday, November 5, 2007, 03:45pm
Yes, as long as there are like-minded collaborators - whether it be a Moses with LaGuardia, Wagner, et al., or Jacobs with the other members of the Joint Committee to Stop the Lower Manhattan Expressway and their allies on the city council. Ultimately, though, it is the force of will(s) leading the charge - that one person - which makes or breaks a movement, and Jane had the force of will at the very time and at the very place where it was needed the most to succeed.
Posted by Benjamin Mosley
Sunday, November 4, 2007, 08:46pm
i don't think only person can change the city alone. If there were more and more participants involved in the rehabilitation of the city. Persons with the same thought as the one person that thought it. They you can credit that one person with changing the city.
Posted by Benjamin Mosley
Sunday, November 4, 2007, 08:45pm
i don't think only person can change the city alone. If there were more and more participants involved in the rehabilitation of the city. Persons with the same thought as the one person that thought it. they you can credit that one person with changing the city.
Posted by shibu john
Sunday, November 4, 2007, 12:37pm
Nothing is impossible. A single good idea can change the entire city sometimes.For example for the building of a secure good future of the country , building of a new capable generation is important. The total destruction of what we have achieved tilll now is just a generation away if we dont deal with that in a proper way in this world of increasing voilence , drug abuse and total misconception of the truth by mass media . The government must take important steps to make sure that the truth is potrait to the public especially in tv, internet etc and shouuld make sure that the general public unstand at least the basic truths of whats going on.The government should not only use the methods of psychoanalysis for military purposes but also for the building of a better new genration for the better future of the world by using these techniques in schools for every child. For the building of a new generation with high moral values and understanding , parenting also must be taught to every new couples and families and new laws must be induced in the areas of parenting and consulting psychologists in this world of increasing stress and crime so that the potential of every citizen must be used for the development of a better society and a better world
Posted by Rosemary Kite
Saturday, November 3, 2007, 08:29pm
You had better believe it! Just imagine if one woman could convince the City (and the world) that alternate CLEAN and GREEN transportation initiatives on a large scale are not only the smart thing to do for the environment - both today and in the future - but possible, cost effective, good for your physical fitness and also good for lovers of historic preservation.
Such radical "thinking outside the box" could actually afford every New York City resident (and all those who commute into NYC as well, whether from New Jersey or Long Island) the potential for a more beautiful skyline than before and a WIN-WIN major bridge, tunnel and highway solution that could even be FUN!
If you can imagine this or dream with me at least......perhaps we have already begun to take steps in the right direction. I am a firm believer in the ultimate success of grass roots efforts for the good of humanity - especially when they are begun by women! That is the very reason I have committed myself to brokering dialogue on "Matters of Consequence" for NYC. You can write me anytime you want to dialogue. I'm at rosemary@possumusinternational.org
Posted by Desiree
Friday, November 2, 2007, 01:29pm
No, I do not think that one person can change the city alone. In order to do so, large amounts of people would be needed to conduct a wave of change from the current constructs and views of the city. Until the public can be convinced to adopt or at least consider some of the extroadinary points of Jane Jacobs, it is an impossibility for the change to occur. Additionally, it is my belief that architects and planners should be more willing to propose change in the city. Until then, a large majority of people will forever be bent on the cheapest, most near-sited "remedies" to our current urban condition.
Posted by Bianca Holtier
Tuesday, October 30, 2007, 10:20am
There are many factors contributing to change, a process which more often than not, has a critical mass effect. I think we are all in hot pursuit of our dreams. As they manifest from any given individual, the built environment is their reflection in form and function. Urban dwellers promote change on varying scales, but to what degree remains relative. New York City is a special place experiencing a very transformative point in time.
Oliver, they were urban planners not activists and that's the problem. I don't dispute that Haussmann's plan for Paris has made the city beautiful and his unique design has helped make the city famous - hell, they even wrote a song about the Champs Elysees - but in New York City right now there's a huge problem with mega projects which ride rough-shod over local communities getting rubber-stamped by city planning, and what's needed now are activists to lead the fight for local initiatives for the good of the community, not the top-down approach currently favored.
Posted by firestarter
Thursday, October 25, 2007, 01:13pm
one person can change a lot of things. look at the arsonist who started the fires in Cali - it only took one match and now it's the biggest fire in history. i believe one activist can start a fire, a movement, that gains momentum when other people hear about it and motivated to join it.
Posted by Carlos Salazar
Wednesday, October 24, 2007, 01:30pm
Yes, It is possible to change a city by influencing changes in typping points. However, these changes demand not only leaderships skills but also people-skills. This could be seing as a process. For example, leaders as Gandhy, Martin Luther King were able to change whole comunities as a consecuence of a clear oriented vision plus excelence in inluencing people behavior.
Posted by Holly Kowitt
Tuesday, October 23, 2007, 05:20pm
I'd like to work to preserve the diversity of neighborhoods in Manhattan from becoming soulless canyons of chain stores and bank branches. I think expanding historic district designations is crucial.
Posted by Jonny
Tuesday, October 23, 2007, 09:50am
Is this a rehash of the "can one person change history?" debate we used to have in college? The answer always used to turn out to be that while individuals play significant roles in "history-changing" event, nothing happens in a vacuum, and as playwrights will tell you, the context in which actors play out their roles always shapes the action.
Jane Jacobs was a product of her environment? Would she have had a reason to write Death and Life if the local zeitgeist had not been leaning towards massive, destructive development projects in her neighborhood?
Comments
(Post new comment)Robert Moses and his
Posted by AnonymousFriday, March 28, 2008, 02:09pm
Robert Moses and his virulent racism completely transformed NYC, and Amanda Burden's virulent racism is transforming Harlem
Yes, Majora Carter is doing
Posted by South Bronx NativeTuesday, February 10, 2009, 11:19pm
Yes, Majora Carter is doing it every day.
of course, just look at how
Posted by RdFThursday, February 21, 2008, 11:20am
of course, just look at how Robert Moses changed NYC
No. Not unless they have
Posted by DMSaturday, January 5, 2008, 08:09pm
No.
Not unless they have lots of politcal power and/or money. It seems that the time is over for "one person" to do much of anything. Maybe plant a tree or something if that's what you mean by "change"
I believe yes and no. One
Posted by Judi AlvarezTuesday, May 19, 2009, 08:24am
I believe yes and no. One person can start a change in any city, but no not alone as it takes all the people to get involved and stand up; rather than "hiding" or being afraid. Think of your fellow human, not just yourself.
"For the people" Doing It Right Foundation (609) 770-3715
One person Plus
Posted by RocinanteWednesday, November 28, 2007, 08:24pm
"Never think that a small group of citizens cannot change the world. Indeed it's the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead
Yes look at Rudy.
Posted by Annette VegaThursday, November 8, 2007, 03:22pm
Yes look at Rudy.
Yes.
Posted by Annette VegaThursday, November 8, 2007, 03:22pm
Yes.
YES!
Posted by VisitorWednesday, November 7, 2007, 08:07pm
YES!
yes
Posted by Liz CapezutiWednesday, November 7, 2007, 07:10pm
yes
everything needs to start
Posted by Visitor andrianaWednesday, November 7, 2007, 05:10pm
everything needs to start somewhere ...
Yes.
Posted by Lydia PatersonWednesday, November 7, 2007, 10:14am
Yes.
no
Posted by leoTuesday, November 6, 2007, 12:13pm
no
New York City must continue
Posted by Bill DeignanMonday, November 5, 2007, 04:13pm
New York City must continue to build community among the people
who live here. People helping people, people concerned about
their neighbor and people doing positive projects to aid their neighbor.
Service to humanity is the best work of life....bill deignan
Yes, especially if that
Posted by Jeremy DMonday, November 5, 2007, 03:47pm
Yes, especially if that person's name is Kal-El (aka - Superman).
Yes, as long as there are
Posted by Mark LewisMonday, November 5, 2007, 03:45pm
Yes, as long as there are like-minded collaborators - whether it be a Moses with LaGuardia, Wagner, et al., or Jacobs with the other members of the Joint Committee to Stop the Lower Manhattan Expressway and their allies on the city council. Ultimately, though, it is the force of will(s) leading the charge - that one person - which makes or breaks a movement, and Jane had the force of will at the very time and at the very place where it was needed the most to succeed.
Yes
Posted by FlorenciaMonday, November 5, 2007, 10:10am
Yes
yes, he/she can
Posted by juditMonday, November 5, 2007, 06:30am
yes, he/she can
i don't think only person
Posted by Benjamin MosleySunday, November 4, 2007, 08:46pm
i don't think only person can change the city alone. If there were more and more participants involved in the rehabilitation of the city. Persons with the same thought as the one person that thought it. They you can credit that one person with changing the city.
i don't think only person
Posted by Benjamin MosleySunday, November 4, 2007, 08:45pm
i don't think only person can change the city alone. If there were more and more participants involved in the rehabilitation of the city. Persons with the same thought as the one person that thought it. they you can credit that one person with changing the city.
Nothing is impossible. A
Posted by shibu johnSunday, November 4, 2007, 12:37pm
Nothing is impossible. A single good idea can change the entire city sometimes.For example for the building of a secure good future of the country , building of a new capable generation is important. The total destruction of what we have achieved tilll now is just a generation away if we dont deal with that in a proper way in this world of increasing voilence , drug abuse and total misconception of the truth by mass media . The government must take important steps to make sure that the truth is potrait to the public especially in tv, internet etc and shouuld make sure that the general public unstand at least the basic truths of whats going on.The government should not only use the methods of psychoanalysis for military purposes but also for the building of a better new genration for the better future of the world by using these techniques in schools for every child. For the building of a new generation with high moral values and understanding , parenting also must be taught to every new couples and families and new laws must be induced in the areas of parenting and consulting psychologists in this world of increasing stress and crime so that the potential of every citizen must be used for the development of a better society and a better world
Yes!
Posted by OscarSunday, November 4, 2007, 09:08am
Yes!
Can one woman make a difference?
Posted by Rosemary KiteSaturday, November 3, 2007, 08:29pm
You had better believe it! Just imagine if one woman could convince the City (and the world) that alternate CLEAN and GREEN transportation initiatives on a large scale are not only the smart thing to do for the environment - both today and in the future - but possible, cost effective, good for your physical fitness and also good for lovers of historic preservation.
Such radical "thinking outside the box" could actually afford every New York City resident (and all those who commute into NYC as well, whether from New Jersey or Long Island) the potential for a more beautiful skyline than before and a WIN-WIN major bridge, tunnel and highway solution that could even be FUN!
If you can imagine this or dream with me at least......perhaps we have already begun to take steps in the right direction. I am a firm believer in the ultimate success of grass roots efforts for the good of humanity - especially when they are begun by women! That is the very reason I have committed myself to brokering dialogue on "Matters of Consequence" for NYC. You can write me anytime you want to dialogue. I'm at rosemary@possumusinternational.org
NO DOUBT
Posted by Silvia MazzarriSaturday, November 3, 2007, 01:43pm
NO DOUBT
No, I do not think that one
Posted by DesireeFriday, November 2, 2007, 01:29pm
No, I do not think that one person can change the city alone. In order to do so, large amounts of people would be needed to conduct a wave of change from the current constructs and views of the city. Until the public can be convinced to adopt or at least consider some of the extroadinary points of Jane Jacobs, it is an impossibility for the change to occur. Additionally, it is my belief that architects and planners should be more willing to propose change in the city. Until then, a large majority of people will forever be bent on the cheapest, most near-sited "remedies" to our current urban condition.
Yes
Posted by VisitorFriday, November 2, 2007, 12:06pm
Yes
Yes -- if she knows how to
Posted by Terry MarrFriday, November 2, 2007, 11:12am
Yes -- if she knows how to influence others
Robert Moses did.
Posted by Pete JelliffeFriday, November 2, 2007, 10:26am
Robert Moses did.
Yes. One person and the
Posted by Daniel RothThursday, November 1, 2007, 05:56pm
Yes. One person and the group that they are a member of. It takes groups and individuals. It takes balance of individualism and communalism.
Yes. One person and the
Posted by Daniel RothThursday, November 1, 2007, 05:56pm
Yes. One person and the group that they are a member of. It takes groups and individuals. It takes balance of individualism and communalism.
Bien sur!
Posted by VisitorThursday, November 1, 2007, 04:49pm
Bien sur!
yes
Posted by benWednesday, October 31, 2007, 12:48pm
yes
yes
Posted by benWednesday, October 31, 2007, 12:48pm
yes
Living For The City
Posted by Bianca HoltierTuesday, October 30, 2007, 10:20am
There are many factors contributing to change, a process which more often than not, has a critical mass effect. I think we are all in hot pursuit of our dreams. As they manifest from any given individual, the built environment is their reflection in form and function. Urban dwellers promote change on varying scales, but to what degree remains relative. New York City is a special place experiencing a very transformative point in time.
no, but groups of people
Posted by Rose S.Monday, October 29, 2007, 12:36pm
no, but groups of people can.
Yes, and that is what I am
Posted by Rha-Isha SwainSaturday, October 27, 2007, 04:05pm
Yes, and that is what I am working on!!!!
I certainly hope so.
Posted by Sarah BellantoniFriday, October 26, 2007, 10:11pm
I certainly hope so.
yes
Posted by JuanFriday, October 26, 2007, 06:08pm
yes
yes
Posted by VisitorsFriday, October 26, 2007, 05:55pm
yes
yes, look at Haussmann in
Posted by oliverThursday, October 25, 2007, 05:34pm
yes, look at Haussmann in Paris, Hobrecht in Berlin and Le Corbousier.
activists not planners or developers
Posted by JohnFriday, October 26, 2007, 10:44am
Oliver, they were urban planners not activists and that's the problem. I don't dispute that Haussmann's plan for Paris has made the city beautiful and his unique design has helped make the city famous - hell, they even wrote a song about the Champs Elysees - but in New York City right now there's a huge problem with mega projects which ride rough-shod over local communities getting rubber-stamped by city planning, and what's needed now are activists to lead the fight for local initiatives for the good of the community, not the top-down approach currently favored.
yes, look at Haussmann in
Posted by oliverThursday, October 25, 2007, 05:34pm
yes, look at Haussmann in Paris, Hobrecht in Berlin and Le Corbousier.
one person can change a lot
Posted by firestarterThursday, October 25, 2007, 01:13pm
one person can change a lot of things. look at the arsonist who started the fires in Cali - it only took one match and now it's the biggest fire in history. i believe one activist can start a fire, a movement, that gains momentum when other people hear about it and motivated to join it.
Yes, It is possible to
Posted by Carlos SalazarWednesday, October 24, 2007, 01:30pm
Yes, It is possible to change a city by influencing changes in typping points. However, these changes demand not only leaderships skills but also people-skills. This could be seing as a process. For example, leaders as Gandhy, Martin Luther King were able to change whole comunities as a consecuence of a clear oriented vision plus excelence in inluencing people behavior.
Yes
Posted by Margaret SegallWednesday, October 24, 2007, 12:39pm
Yes
I'd like to work to preserve
Posted by Holly KowittTuesday, October 23, 2007, 05:20pm
I'd like to work to preserve the diversity of neighborhoods in Manhattan from becoming soulless canyons of chain stores and bank branches. I think expanding historic district designations is crucial.
...
Posted by JohnTuesday, October 23, 2007, 04:35pm
...
of course.
Posted by VisitorTuesday, October 23, 2007, 10:20am
of course.
Is this a rehash of the "can
Posted by JonnyTuesday, October 23, 2007, 09:50am
Is this a rehash of the "can one person change history?" debate we used to have in college? The answer always used to turn out to be that while individuals play significant roles in "history-changing" event, nothing happens in a vacuum, and as playwrights will tell you, the context in which actors play out their roles always shapes the action.
Jane Jacobs was a product of her environment? Would she have had a reason to write Death and Life if the local zeitgeist had not been leaning towards massive, destructive development projects in her neighborhood?
Yes, if one person can
Posted by JennaMonday, October 22, 2007, 04:42pm
Yes, if one person can change one more person.
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