MIS from "Race and Place"

"I want to believe that the library is unerringly socially progressive, occupying some sacred dimension that sets it apart, above. But the truth is, there is no such vacuum. More often than not libraries mirror rather than oppose local politics and socioeconomic stratifications. As the song goes, Them that's got shall get, Them that's not shall lose." (Pg. 32, Race and Place)

I was particularly struck by this section from "Race and Place" because I think sadly this is the attitude that most people have today about all third places and cities in general. Everyone wants to see a socially progressing  world where everyone has equal chances and resources yet in a lot of ways the environment in which one lives mirrors what is available and accessible to the people living in that environment. Also, after doing the comparisons of libraries this week for online lecture, it was clear that the make-up of particular cities influences what is emphasized in libraries or reflects the information that is provided at particular locations. 

I also think that the quote at the end is very representative of the path we have been on for the past few years in the United States where the people who already have everything have continued to increase their wealth and prosperity and the people that are at the bottom seem to be losing even more. Unfortunately, in a capitalist world, that trend is inevitable, but I still believe (and from looking at other capitalist countries, I know it's possible) that the gap should close between rich and poor, because it is the separation and inequality within every facet of our country (i.e. government, social policies, jobs, health, education, etc.) that is dividing people apart and hurting so many around the United States.