I find Davis’ reference to “quartz” in his book title an
interesting choice. Though I could not find a direct reference in his medley of
essays that make up the book’s chapters, his reference in the Preface (written
in 2006 and looking back on his previously published work of 1990) to the “social
and politico-economic tectonic plates” (p. ix) and chapter five’s title, “The
Hammer and the Rock,” give a couple of slightly dissimilar clues. The first
metaphor, perhaps the best clue, references the book’s tracing of the ‘electrical
sparks,’ or social unrest and instability between the racial and economic
classes and the white, elite "free enterprise-d,” that became the staple of LA
city life in the elite's push to lead and become the preeminent center of globalization taking place on the Pacific Rim, as metaphorically similar when the mineral quartz generates
electricity or 'sparks' when rubbed or pressed together. The second metaphor references the
LAPD’s super sweeps targeting young men of color under the public rubric of
opposing and hindering the drug trade of “crack” cocaine, aka “rock.”
Supposedly, the LAPD's "HAMMER-ing" of the drug “rock” spins off the hammering of the natural rock,
quartz, with again the result of social sparks as akin to electrical sparks from the mineral quartz. Any thoughts? Interestingly, by a quick online check, Davis' home county of San Bernardino has the most quartz mines in CA while LA County has one of the least number.
Bryan,
ReplyDeleteI think this is an amazingly interesting comment and not something I had thought too much about until reading your post. I think there is another reason for quartz being in the title. Throughout the book, Davis makes the argument that LA may serve as a "crystal ball" showing the future of global capitalism. After a quick search, quartz is used to make crystal balls. Therefore, by excavating Los Angeles' past (quartz), we are able to construct an image of its future (crystal ball). I also agree with your take on your explanation of quartz and the sparks it produces. Thoughts?
This is really interesting! Perhaps as he is "excavating the future in L.A." and he is finding a foundation that is far from the shining and wonderful image one would like to associate with L.A., it is comparable as a "city of quartz," due to quartz's less than precious status. It is a stone that looks like it could be of some value, but isn't at all. L.A. might appear to be a shining example of a modern, affluent city, but in reality has major issues regarding poverty, violence, racism, etc.
ReplyDeleteQuartz is also one of the most abundant minerals in the Earth. I especially like the crystal ball metaphor as Davis' chapter on the LAPD's corrupt and racist paramilitary tactics in its law and order campaigns in South-Central LA prognosticates the angry, violent backlash of the Rodney King Riots and the ousting of Chief Gates.
ReplyDeleteGreat discussion here. I also think it could be a reference to the potential of LA. If the ingredients were only shaped and molded a different way, the outcome could be so much better. Then again, I may be looking to far into it.
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