In Caracas' Tower of David, I was amazed to find the sense of community that had appeared out of what seems to be a run down space that most would never want to claim as home. People have taken responsibility for the space and made it their own. The sense of pride and community this vertical slum presents stands in stark contrast to the low income housing here in the US that so often harbors crime and gives no opportunity at a better life. The government in these low income housing communities has already designed the building and gives each family a "house" (simply a cell with little character or individuality). In contrast the vertical slums are growing as the individuals move in and build out their own space. Is the feeling of personal touch and hard work the key to why there is such a community in these vertical slums (specifically the Tower of David)? Do we take the wrong approach in the US by simply giving out too much stuff? It is easier to take care of something you had to work for as opposed to something that was given to you. In light of all of this, should we instead allow low income housing projects to build themselves? This could also open up a whole new topic on the effects of these "eyesores" on the surrounding community.
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| Tower of David in Venezuela |
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