Note: You may either turn in the essay when you take the final exam, or you may put it in my mail slot on the ninth floor of PLC (across from the elevators). The exam is on Tuesday, so you have two additional days to complete your essay.
1. Davis opens “Fortress L.A.” with a flurry of images of proliferating security systems and walled enclaves of residential and commercial privilege, calling it all “post-liberal Los Angeles” (223). Why does he think “post-liberal” an apt description of Los Angeles? Is it? Where are the trends Davis highlights leading? Does Los Angeles symbolize the nation, or is it exceptional?
2. City of Quartz is an apocalyptic vision of urban existence devoid of a democratic public life. For the poor, there is spatial confinement, exclusion and surveillance. For the better off, there are walled enclaves and private police. Is this characterization of urban America on the mark? Did the rebellion/riot in Los Angeles after the initial acquittal of the police in the Rodney King beating case prove the accuracy of his warning, or does it justify an expanded security apparatus?
3. Your question (please speak with me about it before proceeding).