Place Attachment and Cultural Identity

Abstract

Abstract Chapter 8. Place Attachment and Cultural Identity: Monuments, Parks, and Neighborhood Public Space in San José, Costa Rica, and the Statue of Liberty and Battery Park City in New York City identifies place attachment and cultural identity as significant aspects of public space use. Culture-related activities such as music, dance, festivals, and celebrations reinforce cultural values, beliefs, and meanings. The removal of monuments and symbolic icons of an oppressive and violent past—and the struggle over these decisions—is essential to recognizing and respecting all people’s cultural histories and collective memories. Symbolic and material aspects of public space also play a crucial role in a community’s response to a crisis or disaster. The examination of the symbolism of the Statue of Liberty and the post-9/11 use of public space at Battery Park City deepen our understanding of how cultural expressions, identities, and continuity are essential aspects of public space.