What is the physical state of New York City as depicted in Style Wars? How do elements of the readings, visual, and lecture speak to how the physical state of the city is depicted in the film? For instance, think about how Caro’s description of Robert Moses’ Meat Ax might have led to the deterioration of neighborhoods like the South Bronx.
Who are the subjects of the film? What does that tell us about youth culture and outlets in an era of city-wide disinvestment, particularly as they relate to Phillips-Fein’s investigation of austerity budgets?
How did the social and cultural milieu of 1970s and early-1980s New York influence the development of hip-hop? Think of how we can interpret the development of that form of expression as it relates to Phillips-Fein’s descriptions of disinvestment, or the Grandmaster Flash song, “The Message.”
What is the meaning of the subway in the film? What symbolic elements can be drawn from the subway’s depiction, and our understanding from previous lectures of the centrality of the subway to the city’s development?
How might the film dispel some notions about danger and alterity in 1970s and 1980s New York? How might it support them? Think about a connection to Breslin’s articles, for instance.These are only some jumping off points, and you may find other compelling questions after watching the film, so by no means do you have to adhere to these questions. In sum, use the film as a central point of your essay, while incorporating elements of the supporting material as a way to draw out your analysis, support your argument, and interrogate key historical themes and issues covered in that section.
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