In Poletown lives, the video is in regards to the crisis between the Poletown residents and GM motors in Detroit, Michigan. It began when GM motors decided to evict nearly 3500 people residing in Poletown to build one of the wealthiest industrial factories. There are two sides to consider. The residents of Poletown apparently feel betrayal for being forced to vacate their neighborhoods. On the other hand, GM makes their claim that it would help Poletown because the city was doomed before the councilman even approved of the project. Hence, there will be employment opportunities within GM motors. However, the people feel it’ll create job retention. The crisis is that the unfortunate people are being violated victims while the rich prosper from it.
Urban ecology is based on functionalism, meaning it has much to do with the human interaction of urbanization and how it impacts ecology. This idea tends to deem that people gravitate to certain areas because of social cohesion and stability. The Poletown residents in the film can be looked upon as members of functionalism. They were partly a family acting together in unison to help stop the issue. People work hard all their lives for these homes and it is being seized and destroyed. Moreover, the corporation is taking the identity of Poletown residents. Their history lies in the streets, churches, and homes. It is their humble abode and safety zone. The residents act together as a means of survival. When the demolition, arson, and vandalism swept the neighborhood, the people became more militant. It stirred more violence because they are more protective of their homes and belongings.
In reference to GM motors, the Preseident, F.J. McDonald feels that what is being done is not them. Instead he calls it “free enterprise” which means a private business can do what they want with few restrictions and little involvement of the government. Their strongest argument is that this will benefit Detroit in employment. The...