A. What makes this space distinct from others?

     On Merrick Road, the local road by my house, people follow unspoken rules of staying on the sidewalks, crossing only at lights, and keeping a steady pace while walking. I went during an earlier time in the morning so there were many parents walking their children to the local elementary school, many keeping to themselves but some talking with each other. Much of the road was designed around cars with limited space dedicated to pedestrians. This space promotes purposeful movement with not much area for leisure. Historically, Merrick Road has been a central commercial route connecting neighborhoods. This area gives opportunity for local, family owned businesses to thrive alongside major chains. This space promotes brief and transactional interactions. An example being a conversation between a customer and a shop owner or greetings between a couple locals walking by each other on the sidewalk. However the constant traffic and the lack of third spaces discourage group gatherings and more deep social interactions.

B. Who has entry to this space, and who does not? Why might that be? What kind of rights or identities do one need to gain entry to this space?

     Anyone can physically access Merrick Road, but it primarily caters to drivers. Much of the road area is dedicated to cars and traffic. It also caters towards consumers and people who can afford the shop there. People with physical disabilities may have more difficulties in getting around, as the space limits where people can move already as well as their disability would lead to issues getting around. Locals may feel comfortable with this area while outsiders may not, unless they have grown in an area with the idea of a main street. People who have grown up outside of where the traditional idea of a main street is popular may feel out of place in an area like this. Authority is definitely held by local police. There are many signs on businesses that show that they will call the police if necessary. Traffic signs are also a form of authority held by town officials. Many businesses also have cameras giving them a sort of authority and control. The main form of control is the public eye. There is always someone there which reduces crime. While there are no formal barriers, the cost of goods and services limit who can fully participate in this space. Economic privileges grant comfort and access to this area. Most people seen here reflect a uniform demographic. Middle class families and workers. Things like security cameras, parking signs, and the clean area acts as quiet reminders of constant observation and social expectations. These signs of surveillance ensure safety but also reinforce conformity and reduce people from potential acting out of the community norm. This area has well maintained roads and sidewalks reinforcing the communities values of uniform and cleanliness. They reflect a community where the children walk to school in the morning before their parents go off to work. It represents a very middle class environment. 

C. What do you know about this space? Where does that information come from? What you may not know, and how might you find out more?

     My personal experience growing up near Merrick Road makes me feel comfortable and familiar with its atmosphere. I see the road as a central part of my daily life as much of what I do is on this road. Whenever I drive to school I have to take this road, whenever I go to get groceries it's on this road. If I need to go anywhere, I have to first drive on this road. Because of this I may view it in a more positive light than if someone who hasn't ever experienced a suburban neighborhood may view it. I often assume many of the people here share very similar lives to me. Middle class students, workers, and families. This assumption might ignore the diversity of people who might pass through here. To better understand Merrick Road’s history, I could use observation to note patterns of movement. Another method might be to interview local business owners about how the area has changed. A final research method could be searching online and viewing community discussions could also reveal individual stories that combine together to show a broad history of the area. Local businesses shape Merrick Road. The entire road was made as a main area of commerce for the people of the towns it passes through. This road was made to get as many people to these businesses as possible.

      Walking research allows people to gain a deeper understanding of an area more than just reading or studying about it. Walking research engages all the senses of the area where just reading about or looking at pictures of the area lacks input from all senses. It allows the observer to see how people move, interact, and occupy an area more than just a video could tell you. It allows the observer to recognize social dynamics and the social standards that shape the area. Ultimately, walking research is a method that allows you to not just know about an area but actually experience an area. It's one thing to know a lot about an area but experiencing it allows you to get a much deeper understanding.

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1.

1. What resonated with me the most was how genuinely selfless Zohran Mamdani's actions were, especially his choice to uplift others.

2. The writer builds ethos through personal experience, uses emotion and descriptive moments to create pathos, and structures the story to show why Zohran's character is admirable

3. Like many similar posts, this story highlights kindness and human connection, but stands out because it focuses on a politician whose humility shapes the entire narrative

2.

1. What resonates with me the most was the reminder that real human connection is irreplaceable.

2. The writer builds ethos by speaking passionately, uses pathos through emotional language about humanity, and uses logos by contrasting real world connection with online connections.

3. This story emphasizes community but differs by focusing less on an individual and more on the crowd

3.

1. What resonated with me most was the idea of an artistic exhibit opening to the average New Yorker.

2. The writer builds ethos by describing the scale of the project, uses pathos by expressing passion for art and uses logos by clearly explaining the event and how people can participate

3. Like other posts, this post celebrates community and creativity. It differs by focusing on individual artists creating opportunities for them.

For my Walking Research project, I plan to walk along Merrick Road starting at my house and continuing for several blocks. Merrick Road is a long, and busy stretch of road with shops, traffic, and small pockets of residential housing. I chose this location because it's a road I pass through everyday but don’t pay much attention to it usually. By walking through it slowly, I want to explore the stuff that I missed just driving through it. I'm hoping to expand my knowledge on the sounds, movements and atmosphere of the street that it's a part of my daily routine. During the walk I will use my phone to take notes and take photos of anything that stands out to me. Since I usually drive through the street, I need to pay attention to ambient sounds and smells that I usually miss being inside a car. I also will try to notice small visual cues I usually overlook such as natural elements around the street. The hardest part will be resisting the urge to rush along the sidewalk because the road isn't really designed with people in mind as much as it is for cars. I plan to consciously try and keep a steady pace to make sure I'm truly observing rather than just passing through it.

On my walk this morning,  I noticed a mix of noise and motion that shaped the street. The steady movement of cars and people navigating the road flowing alongside pedestrians and the many shops. The interactions between them were small but meaningful in many ways. The blend between the streets, stores and surrounding neighborhoods create a unique environment