Mayes Article

Why Do Old Places Matter? Individual Identity

1. our homes and churches, our
neighborhoods, schools, main streets, and
courthouse squares, are all part of our
identity and of who we are.

2. [how do old places tell us who we are?

What exactly is this relationship between old
places and identity?]

3.In fact, some theorists say the

relationship between place and identity is
inseparable.

4. When the places that are part of our

identity are threatened, lost or destroyed,
our identity may be damaged People
survive the loss of places that support their
identity. And many times these places
survive in memory.

1. While these places hold impact and

memories its not just about the places or
buildings that matter but the people who live
and coincide in them. While yes our homes
and churches are where we grew up it was the
people that influenced who we became.
2. When I read this the first thing that comes
to mind in heritage, culture and value. My
family is from the north where culture is very
much alive and strong. Old places hold onto
their culture and help us continue to carry it
along through our family. Such as the Italian
bakery on the corner that has been their since
the family first came here from Italy.
3. This statement I have to disagree with
while where we grew up definitely influenced
who we are it definitely does not define us.
Just look at someone who came from nothing
or poverty who become successful. Crime
ridden streets but then never committed a
crime.

4. When I read the first part of the quote I

immediately thought what he wrote later on
in the story, which is the second quote. Places
may become destroyed, but people and their
memories are what keep them alive and help
to continue to influence others through those
memories.