Glblzn in Philly

Health – Acupuncture

In a world where flu shots and over the counter allergy relief is such commonplace (Pardon, in America anyways,) it’s a bit surprising to see other forms of medicine. Yet, for the longest time, that’s how “it” was done. Acupuncture is one of these “alternative” forms of medicine from ancient Chinese culture. It involves methodically places pins on the body and nerve points to relieve pain or other ailments. It is used to restore balance. Though it probably has its own cult following, acupuncture is much less recognized in America than in China. However, down in China-town, there is a small spa that still offers these services, and I doubt it’s the only one.

According to many sources, such as Deon Melchoir, Acupuncture in America has a fairly short history. It gained recent popularity in its pain relief properties and naturalism appeal. He says that results have been reportedly effective, but “research is continuing and new results are coming out quite often.” The needles used must now be carefully regulated by the FDA as popularity grows. Acupuncture may not replace modern forms of medicine, but it has set its niche in Philadelphia so far.

Culture - Reading Terminal Market

Leaving Philadelphia without visiting the Reading Terminal Market is not the full “Fluffia” experience. It is a food cornucopia. Here one can find foods from cultures all around the world: Indian, french, Chinese, Middle Eastern, italian, Polish etc. It was originally designed as a food market (named the “Jersey Market”) for farmers and tradesmen in the area. As an immigration influx gradually came to Philadelphia, they brought their lifestyles with them.

“The current Reading Terminal Market appeared in 1893. (enjoyingphiladelphia.com)” Reading railroad tracks were built over it for visitors and farmers alike to have convenient travel. After the train system fell, it took a while for the market to get back onto its feet again and what we see today. Now you can enjoy any type of food, and support local business too.

Environment - trash cans

Two in one? How could that be? At first Philadelphia’s new trash compactors seemed to be on pro-environmental path, but it turns out it was deeply rooted in money as well. In the end, it helps both. These new eco-friendly trash compactors and recycling bins cut city costs and litter.

Global warming was mostly caused by developed nations, but is affecting the entire world. Now, efforts to slow this change has reached Philadelphia. According to Streets Commissioner Carmina Tolson, they only need to be emptied 5 times a week instead of 19. Philadelphia is the first to use so many. These compactors are a small step in helping the global environment.

Trade - Fair trade coffee

There has been a growing demand for organic and fair trade coffees. People are becoming more aware of the food system, and worker treatment. Those who can afford the extra splurge are opting for “fair trade” which is said to guarantee that a certain amount of money goes directly to the workers. America as a whole gets most of its coffee overseas, from places in Africa and south America. Buying fair trade here increasing wages there and helps the economy.

Coffees must be fair trade certified. According to fair trade sources, including Stephen and Rachel Betzen, “This simple commitment to paying someone a fair wage for their labors helps build local communities, put children through school, and ultimately produces a higher quality, better-tasting coffee.” Buying fair trade in Philly supports the lives of other workers in developing areas around the world.

Gender - gayborhood

A few blocks east of Broad Street is an area in Philadelphia known as the “Gayborhood.” It consists of a few blocks designated to LGBT friendly businesses and pride. It is also the center of a lot of Philadelphia’s night life. The Gayborhood reflects the worlds changing attitude towards the LGBTQ populace as they strive for more acceptance. Not every country is very accepting, but Philly welcomes the change.

According to David Zelman “Historically and currently it [homosexuality] is met with the most resistance in totalitarian belief systems, whether they be political or religious.” However he notes that it has been around all through history, in every culture and even animal species. It is truly a global occurrence. The fact that Philly has designated an area of the city toward gay pride shows its support of gender related issues.

Migration - Italian Market & South Philly

Philadelphia wasn’t always home to such a wide range of ethnic backgrounds and cultures. They all formed a place at some point in history. Over time, these people have clustered together in areas around the city and suburbs: Italians, Asians, orthodox Jews etc. Although I don’t live in south Philly, I am notably Italian, so mentioning it is suitable.

The history of general migration to Philadelphia is summed up by Daniel Amsterdam. Due to incidences in their respective home countries, different immigrant groups began moving to Philadelphia around 1870, most in the hope of work. Amsterdam states “By 1930, the combined forces of the housing market, access to transportation and the spatial layout of industry, led working-class immigrants to remain in the industrial center of the city, often clustering in recognizable ethnic enclaves...While most unskilled immigrant groups struggled to find work in Philadelphia, Italians were able to find a niche working on the city’s array of public improvement projects.” So blossomed Philadelphia’s large Italian-American community.

Society? – Language?

It is now more common than ever to see or hear different languages. Its in the streets, on labels, on menus and on bus posters. America has always been known as one big “melting pot” (ignoring school house rock’s visual generalizations) and Philadelphia is especially diverse. However society has gone beyond incorporating people and is incorporating language as well. Here is a sign for directions in at least 6 different languages. In China town there are street signs written in Mandarin. Most people in Philadelphia understand a certain degree of English. However parts of the city are still designed to be a more accessible and welcoming city to anyone who may want to visit (until they all are forced to learn English to succeed.)

Education - Penn

This picture is from up in the stacks at the Van Pelt library where I work. They have more books than they could ever handle, in fact, a book overflow into New Jersey. A student could find a book on literally anything here. Penn has amounted such a vast collection from all over the world, its no wonder there’s no space. It’s not just the library that is global; the community is as well.

Penn likes its international students. There are an especially large number of Asian and Indian students, but I thought it would be awkward to take the photo of a stranger. There is all sorts of talk about how America is behind in science and technology. Foreign students come learn engineering and sciences in America, and then go on to either stay or return. According to Matt Nowak “‘Most international students studying in the U.S. pursue degrees in STEM.’ Fully 40 percent of MTU’s master’s and PhD students have come from beyond American borders and fully half of all engineering grad students in the U.S. are international students.” Philadelphia affects these students and they in turn affect Philadelphia and the world.

Organizations & business - Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce

This picture is just of the Bellevue, but blame Google maps if its wrong. They said this was it. Inside here is the Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber of Commerce focuses on promoting regional business. If any international business were to set up grounds in Philadelphia, it would be via negotiations and promotions from the “CoC.”

The PCoC also has relations to other international chambers such as the America-Israel Chamber of Commerce, Chilean and American Chamber of Commerce, British American Business Council and more. To support my point, “Deekay” of the dailyojo says “The chambers of different areas look after the interests of those areas and try to promote commerce, trade and industry. The chambers collect all type of information on general trade conditions in different areas, regions and countries.” Everyone works together to form the international network of business we have today.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Amsterdam, Daniel. "Immigration to the City of Philadelphia: An Economic and Historical Overview." Philadelphia Migration Project. Philadelphia Migration Project, 2007. Web. 1 Jun 2011. <https://docs.google.com/a/scienceleadership.org/viewer?url=http://www.history.upenn.edu/philamigrationproject/paper_02.pdf>.

Associated Press. "Philadelphia likes solar-powered ." MSNBC (2009 ): n. pag. Web. 1 Jun 2011. <http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32110044/ns/us_news-environment/t/philadelphia-likes-solar-powered-bigbelly/>.

Betzen, Stephen, and Rachel Betzen. "Fair trade- Making the World a Better, Brighter, Safer Place: Just One Cup of Just Coffee at a Time."faircoffee.com. faircoffee.com, 2007. Web. 31 May 2011. <http://www.faircoffee.com/>.

DeeKay, . "What does a Chamber of Commerce do?."DailyOjo 2009: n. pag. Web. 1 Jun 2011. <http://dailyojo.com/articles/what-does-chamber-of-commerce-do.html>.

"International/Multicultural Chambers." Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce (2006): n. pag.Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. Web. 1 Jun 2011. <http://www.greaterphilachamber.com/AffiliatesAndAssc.aspx?PageContentID=139>.

Melchior, Deon. "Acupuncture's Acceptance in America." ArticleClick n. pag. Web. 29 May 2011. <http://www.articleclick.com/Article/Acupuncture-s-Acceptance-in-America/929579>.

Nowak, Matt. "Science, math fields ignored by U.S. students." LeavenWorthTimes.com 17 Jan 2011: n. pag. Web. 1 Jun 2011. <http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/opinions/local_columnists/x1409894282/Matt-Nowak-Science-math-fields-ignored-by-U-S-students>.

"Reading Terminal Market, From the 19th Century to the 21st ." EnjoyingPhiladelphia.com n. pag. Web. 30 May 2011. <http://www.enjoyingphiladelphia.com/reading_terminal_market_history.html>.

Zelman, David. " acceptance of gays in different cultures." Love Honor Cherish n. pag. Web. 1 Jun 2011. <http://lovehonorcherishfoundation.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=111:acceptance-of-gays-in-different-cultures&catid=63:historyofpropositionsincalifornia&Itemid=94>.