When I saw the exterior of the White House for the first time as a kid during the Obama presidency, I was most definitely confused. The neoclassical, palladian-style mansion is dwarfed by the daunting size of the museums and office buildings that line the expansive National Mall. From a child’s perspective, the home seems too small for one of the most powerful leaders in the modern world. The palaces and castles that I read about throughout my childhood misled me into thinking that the White House was much larger than it truly presents itself to be; however, as I have passed by the building numerous times during the Trump and Biden administrations, I now see the home as a physical manifestation of the American ideology. Let’s peer into the extensive history and architectural choices behind one of the most famous residences in the world.
Original design of the White House under architect James Hoban’s vision
What should the home of a president look like? Pierre Charles L’Enfant, who designed the original plans for the city of Washington, D.C., envisioned a grand estate that would dominate over the typical American homes at the time. Although L’Enfant’s city plan remains today with DC’s grand avenues and parks reminiscent of European cities, President George Washington turned to another architect to design a more modest structure fit for a leader democratically elected to represent the American people. Irish immigrant and architect James Hoban’s design caught the attention of Washington after a competition was held for the building. Hoban’s design shares many similarities with Leinster House in Dublin, Ireland. This building was a palace during Hoban’s time, but it now serves as the location for the Irish parliament. When the White House was completed in 1800, the building was actually gray in color, for the iconic white paint utilized to this day was not added until 1814. The famed North and South porticos of the building were also not added until Thomas Jefferson’s and Andrew Jackson’s presidencies in the 1810s and 1820s.
The Irish Parliament building, Leinster House, is considered the inspiration for James Hoban’s White House design
The White House is truly a shell of its original self. The building was burned down by the British during the War of 1812, and it has received extensive interior and exterior remodelings ever since. These include a critical expansion that created the West Wing under President Theodore Roosevelt in the 1900s and the complete gutting of the building’s interior in the 1940s under President Harry Truman.
The White House consists of three distinct sections: The West Wing, the Residence, and the East Wing
The White House is a working office building, an event venue, a museum, and a residence all at the same time. The state floor, the main floor of the building, is open to the public for tours and includes the rooms that most Americans are familiar with on the news and other photographs. These spaces still hold true to James Hoban’s original layout and feature stunning artwork and furniture from various centuries. The president and the first family live on the visible second floor and the semi-visible third floor of the building which is closed to the public. The president can decorate the residence as they wish; it truly acts as another home sitting on top of the public, ceremonial floor below. Other unique features of the home include the presidential bowling alley, an unused pool (now the location of the Press Briefing Room), a movie theater, and a barbershop.
Cross Hall is the ceremonial entrance room of the White House
The White House remains a building with an incredible history and famed stories. It continues to evolve as the nation evolves and the demands of space change. It has taken the work of countless talented individuals to design and redesign the most famous address in America.
Sheep graze on the White House’s south lawn during World War I.
In April of 1982, the US Border Patrol created a roadblock to the islands of the Florida Keys. This effort, meant to halt illegal drug trafficking and illegal immigration from Cuba and the Caribbean, made it nearly impossible for tourists to visit the beautiful Florida Keys islands and the famous island city of Key West. In response, Key West declared its independence from the United States, titling itself The Conch Republic. Although this attempt to secede from the state of Florida and the U.S. proved itself as more of a hoax, the name stuck. When I visited the Florida Keys and Key West in December of 2019, Conch Republic flags still fly high. Although it isn’t a legitimate nation, Key West maintains a distinctive identity via its laid-back culture, its world-famous Key Lime pie, iguanas and roosters roaming the streets, and its distinctive architecture. Let’s take a look at the Conch House style unique to the island and some other notable buildings found within the Conch Republic.
The Conch House is a Key West seaside architectural style that features numerous distinct elements.
It’s truly compelling to think that the Florida Keys maintains a distinctive architectural identity that has been copied by numerous areas in South Florida and the coastal United States. Caribbean sailors greatly influenced the island by building cottages known as Conch Houses since the early 1800s. Islands present many challenges to builders: a lack of building materials, extremely warm temperatures, and the constant threat of destructive hurricanes. Conch Houses, instead of the typical mortar and brick used for regular homes, are made from crushed-up sea shells, particularly Conch shells. In order to combat the constant heat and humidity, the homes sit above the ground, allowing cool breezes to chill the floor and the lower levels of the house. Large windows let air in from the sea; they feature expansive shutters to cover the glass during dangerous summer storms. The homes also utilize airy wrap-around porches and bright colors to add to the island flair.
Modern homes still utilize the same methods and features that allow for comfortable island living invented by sailors in the 19th century.
One of Key West’s most famous residents, world-renowned author Ernest Hemingway, lived in a stunning Conch Style home that I had the opportunity to tour during my visit to the island. The Ernest Hemingway House, constructed in the Spanish Colonial style with Conch elements, finished construction in 1851 and features extensive gardens, a swimming pool (unusual for Floridian homes at the time), and eclectic furnishings from Hemingway’s travels around the globe. Arguably the most famous feature of the home is the numerous six-toed cats that roam the grounds. These cats, with their rare extra toe, are direct descendants of Hemingway’s original six-toed cats that served as his companions as he wrote famous novels like For Whom the Bell Tolls. Other famed sites include the “Little White House”, which was used as a vacation home for U.S. President Harry Truman in the 1940s.
The Ernest Hemingway House is a famous landmark in Florida with extensive gardens and beautiful architecture.
Key West is undoubtedly one of the most unique cities in America. It is truly the physical embodiment of Jimmy Buffet’s classic song “Margaritaville” where the party never stops on its crowded Duval Street. If you ever take the time to drive to the southernmost point of U.S. 1 and visit the Conch Republic, be sure to take in its famed architecture that continues to serve as inspiration for the island homes and resorts of the American Gulf Coast to this day.
The “Little White House” was used as a vacation residence of U.S. President Harry Truman and features multiple Conch House design elements.
Let’s walk through the Hall of Names. There’s such a solemn sanctity to this conical structure located at the end of one’s journey recounting the horrors of the Holocaust. I step quietly out onto the bridge, looking down into the black abyss-like space below my feet. As I approach the dais and look up into the cone, hundreds of images of victims swirl into the ceiling above. Gazing below, I view the white Israeli limestone of Mount Herzl cut deep into the ground. A black pool, reflecting the cone of images above, acts as a reminder of the unknown victims fading from the world’s memory. Surrounding the cone stands stacks of black shelves, full of black books with white Hebrew lettering. Over four million names of individuals murdered in the Holocaust are etched into these books; however, the shelves remain unfilled for the several million more unknown to this day. Yad Vashem World Holocaust Remembrance Center in Jerusalem, Israel utilizes architecture to tell a story of humanity’s capacity to destroy itself in an incredibly emotional way.
The Hall of Names preserves records of 4 out of the estimated 6 million individuals murdered during the Holocaust.
The current design of the Yad Vashem complex was completed in 2005 by Moshe Safdie and Safdie Architects. Safdie, who was born in Israel and remains a proud Israeli citizen, has constructed some of the most recognizable buildings of the 21st century within the architecture world. These include the Marina Bay Sands resort and the world-renowned Singapore Changi International Airport in Singapore. Yad Vashem, although more modest in its approach in contrast to the firm’s other imposing and glimmering structures, symbolizes strength and resilience. With a prism-shaped design, Yad Vashem is built directly into Jerusalem’s Mount Herzl, which is also known as the Mountain of Remembrance. Safdie desired to ensure that the natural beauty of the landscape would remain a critical aspect of the complex when purposefully placing the bulk of the structure underground.
The Yad Vashem museum is built into Jerusalem’s Mount Herzl
Upon descending into the Yad Vashem museum, one turns to face a gray, brutalist tunnel with a small glimmer of light at the end. This was done with great symbolism in mind. One assumes that the path to the end of the tunnel is clear, but upon closer inspection, one realizes that this open walkway is blocked with pits that make it impossible to walk across. Instead, visitors must traverse the entirety of the museum exhibits in a chronological, zig-zagged approach. This symbolizes the great struggle of the Jewish people during the Holocaust where their hope was diminished by endless challenges surrounding death and destruction.
The interior of the museum acts as a chronology of the Holocaust
After walking through the emotional exhibits full of artifacts, literature, and projection technology that attempts to grasp the sheer complexity and size of the Holocaust, and passing through the Hall of Names, one leaves the museum via a grand balcony looking into the valley below. The stunning view of the Jerusalem suburbs, dotted with pastoral hills and green cypress trees, represents the importance of Israel as a land where the Jewish people can find safety after endless centuries of oppression.
The stunning view greets visitors after their tour of the museum
If you ever get the chance to visit Israel and the city of Jerusalem, I strongly recommend exploring the Yad Vashem complex. Its gardens, memorials and beautiful museum paint a picture of hope and remembrance while recalling one of the greatest horrors in human history.
Facing Our Farms: Ensuring Greater Community Connections within Agricultural America
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “between 2000-2020, suicide rates increased 46% in non-metro areas compared to 27.3% in metro areas”1. Our nation’s small farm communities, which have acted as the foundation for modern America, are falling into disrepair as farmers’ mental health continues to plummet. The COVID-19 pandemic and its long-term implications have only increased the immense challenges that rural farm communities face in the age of modern technology, mass agricultural corporations, and an American population disconnected from its food sources. As isolation within farm communities continues to grow, paired with a lack of mental health resources and a strong rural stigma against mental health, this crucial industry’s future remains uncertain.
Within Centre County, Pennsylvania, The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) must take action in order to strengthen relationships with State College community farmers. Commonwealth campuses, particularly Penn State Behrend in Erie, Pennsylvania, already are implementing practices dedicated to supporting local farmers while allowing opportunities for these individuals to share their experiences in collaborative forums. These spaces, fostering increased communication between university entities and farmers, also provide opportunities for new programs surrounding food justice, mental health advocacy, and localized food systems.
It is the duty of Penn State, a land grant university established as an agricultural school, to ensure the well-being of the communities that its main campus and commonwealth campuses reside in. Through the implementation of a community forum dedicated to new collaborations between the university and farmers, along with partnerships with student organizations such as Students United Against Poverty (SUAP), the University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA), and the Dr. Keiko Miwa Ross Student Farm, successful programs can be implemented state-wide dedicated to supporting local farmers in need.
Within the city of Pittsburgh, in the neighborhood of Oakland, stands a skyscraper unlike any other. The great tower looms over the hills of the city like an ancient monument from a time forgotten. Whenever I stepped foot into the University of Pittsburgh’s Cathedral of Learning as a child, I was transported to another world. The grand Commons Room, with its gothic motifs and imposing arches full of dancing shadows, reminds one of a medieval castle’s grand dining halls. When meandering through the archways and ascending into the levels above, one finds more than simple classrooms. China, Austria, Armenia, Germany, Greece, Ireland, and many more nations dwell within the cathedral’s walls. The Cathedral of Learning, with a unique history and its famed Nationality Rooms, celebrates academia in a truly magnificent way.
The Cathedral of Learning’s Commons Room is nearly four stories tall.
In the early 1920s, the University of Pittsburgh Chancellor John Bowman conceptualized a building that represented the progress of Pittsburgh while acting as a manifestation of hope for the city’s future. Unlike the other skyscrapers rising in American cities at the time with purposes related to business and commerce, Bowman saw this new construction type as a way to celebrate education. At the time, Pittsburgh remained America’s core industrial hub. Its workers, many being European immigrants, lacked the higher education necessary to climb the socioeconomic ladder in hopes of a better quality of life. Bowman envisioned the Cathedral as a beacon for the city’s residents during an era of changing labor dynamics. Finding the funding for the Cathedral was no simple task. A large-scale fundraising effort, in which city residents donated change in exchange for a donation certificate, slowly allowed the building to finish construction in 1937.
Individuals who donated to the construction of the Cathedral received a certificate.
The Cathedral of Learning was designed by Charles Zeller Klauder from the famed collegiate architectural firm Day and Klauder. The current iteration of Old Main, as well as other Penn State buildings like Rec Hall, Pattee Library, Atherton Hall, and the Nittany Lion Inn, were designed by this firm. Klauder’s extensive influence on American campus architecture is seen from public universities to the majority of the Ivy League institutions, but his crowning achievement is widely regarded as the Cathedral. Standing at 42 stories, this structure combines the gothic revival style with the popular 1930s art deco styles while acting as the second tallest academic building in the world to this day. Its most unique feature is undoubtedly the 31 Nationality Rooms. These classrooms, modeled after building interiors of various nations, pay tribute to the countless immigrant communities that shaped Pittsburgh into the city it is today. The details of the spaces are incredibly extensive with customized windows, furnishings, artwork, and light fixtures that take students to another place and time.
The Indian Nationality RoomThe Turkish Nationality Room
The Cathedral of Learning is synonymous with Pitt and the city of Pittsburgh as a whole. Students and city residents alike enjoy touring the building, studying in the expansive Commons Room, and resting on the lawns and gardens that surround the dominating tower. Although I would never hail to Pitt, I have always admired the campus’ stunning and inspiring centerpiece.
The Cathedral of Learning’s exterior gothic detailing
“In Christ’s holy name, we pray. Amen.” This ending of a prayer, made by individuals that broke into the United States Capitol on January 6th, 2021, was proclaimed at the center of the ransacked U.S. Senate Chamber. The official investigation and analysis of the January 6th U.S. Capitol riot, which still is discussed by domestic news channels to this day, often fails to cover the reality that this event was not secular. Looking at the images and videos from January 6th, one can see repeating motifs of crosses, flags featuring religious scripture, and other Christian imagery often juxtaposed with political symbolism. According to the U.S. Justice Department, “approximately 133 [of arrested January 6th protestors] have pleaded guilty to felonies” (U.S. Attorneys). It is undeniably clear that these protestors, claiming to align themselves with Christian values, had little issue with participating in multiple federal crimes during an event that posed itself as a major national security threat. The January 6th attack, which attempted to prevent the certification of the 2020 Presidential Election, was the first time that Christian nationalism received large amounts of mainstream media attention in the 21st century. What is Christian nationalism? Why is it gaining a significant following within the United States? This case study will explore the rise of Christian movements that wish to connect religion to politics and government within the United States of America.
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” – The First Amendment, The U.S. Constitution
Christian Nationalist congregations combine nondenominational church practices with political ideology.
The first amendment of the U.S. Constitution clearly states, through the establishment clause and the free exercise clause, that the U.S. government cannot establish any religion or tie itself to a particular religion. Along with this, U.S. citizens have the right to practice, or not to practice, any religion of their choosing (within legal limitations). This amendment roots itself in British Colonists fleeing from Great Britain in order to escape the strict rules of the Church of England and its limitations on the free practice of religion. With this being said, the U.S. has always been a predominantly Christian country throughout the majority of its history, for almost all of the original thirteen colonies were established by individuals associated with some form of Protestantism. Today, the demographics of the United States are changing. According to the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), in 2017, “the share of Americans who identify as white and Christian has dropped below 50 percent” (Zoll). For the first time in U.S. history, the white, Christian population no longer has the voting majority within the American electorate. This is due to increases in immigration and an increase in Americans rejecting religious establishments altogether. Many believe that this change in demographics has caused the resurgence in Christian nationalism within mainstream political ideology.
“We need to be the party of nationalism, we should be Christian Nationalists” – Marjorie Taylor Greene, U.S. Representative for Georgia’s 14th District, on the Republican Party
Marjorie Taylor Greene strongly supports Christian Nationalism
According to the Public Religion Research Institute, Christian nationalism is defined as “the belief that America was founded as a Christian nation and that the government should keep it that way” (Usher). It is important to note that Christian nationalism is not the same as standard Christianity. Common features of Christian nationalism include individuals attending non-denominational congregations that focus on preaching political ideology, the recurring theme that the U.S. government is run by satanic sympathizers, the removal of “dark spirits” and “demons” from individuals’ souls in support of the nationalist cause, and maintaining strong ties with radical conservative ideology. In modern American politics, it has been typical for Christian and religious resurgences to occur during times of uncertainty regarding the nation’s political future. For instance, Christian nationalist ideology maintained prominence during the Cold War. In 1956, the national motto was altered by Congress from “E Pluribus Unum” to “In God We Trust” due to fear of Communist, secular ideology infiltrating American culture. Once again, with recent demographic changes, and with the vast majority of Americans aligning with certain principles related to abortion and same-sex marriage that do not support conservative Christian practice, this uncertainty has built a new interest in the movement.
“If God can overturn Roe versus Wade, he can do anything,” – Ken Peters, “Patriot Pastor”, the Patriot Church
Christian Nationalists were a significant population during the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol
It is incredibly challenging to determine if certain, high-profile politicians enact political policy because they are attempting to appeal to the Christian nationalist population; however, it is undoubtedly true that current state and national policies show alignment with the goals of Christian nationalists. The overturning of Roe v. Wade, regardless of the legalities behind its overturning, by the U.S. Supreme Court in the summer of 2022 was considered to be a major success for nationalists. Furthermore, the number of book bans within U.S. states has drastically increased. According to the American Library Association, “in 2022, there have been attempts to ban or restrict access to 1,651 different titles”, with many of these books being associated with “LGBTQ and black characters” (Alter and Harris). The banning of books goes against the key principles of the first amendment and is historically associated with nationalist and extremist movements. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who is expected to run for the presidency in 2024, has been continuously accused of enacting controversial laws that are broad enough to ensure the enforcement of Christian nationalist ideology. Former president and 2024 presidential candidate Donald Trump continues to create rhetoric that aligns with the goals of Christian nationalists and the re-establishment of Christianity as the dominant ideology within the United States. With regard to extreme cases related to this movement, multiple mass shootings have been conducted by Christian nationalist and white supremacy sympathizers.
“We will not stop until The Handmaid’s Tale is a reality” – Vincent James Foxx, Christian Nationalist Social Media Influencer
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has been accused of enacting laws that support the Christian Nationalist movement
In this final case study, we explored how the United States, a nation established on the principle of secular government, is experiencing a change in ideology that now is aligning with greater religious influence on government. The future is uncertain regarding Christian nationalism and its increasing presence in American society, but as long as uncertainty remains, and fear lingers, this extremist ideology will live on.
I have visited Charleston, South Carolina three times. When I think of the city, I physically feel the nearly unbearable heat that presses on one’s body like a thick blanket of soupy humidity. I think of the cobblestone streets lined with swaying palms and twisted oak trees full of dangling Spanish moss. I think of carriages bouncing as horses trudge to the ringing of bells of the numerous cathedrals. I think of the overgrown cemeteries that one comes across while exploring alleyways full of fragrant flowers, statues, and lizards. The smell of hushpuppies, cheesy grits, sweet tea, and fresh fish lingers in the balmy air like the city’s eternal perfume. If you can brave the heat, Charleston is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in America.
A horse-drawn carriage travels along Rainbow Row
When I first saw Charleston’s famous Rainbow Row for the first time at the age of eight, I immediately thought of the classic Mario Kart course, “rainbow road”. Unfortunately, to my disappointment, the only thing reminiscent of Mario Kart is the bobbing Koopa shells of turtles in the harbor as they feast on the seagrass below. Rainbow Row is a line of 18th-century homes that have witnessed American history unfold in front of their pastel facades. They have endured the British Empire’s colonial rule, the American Revolution, the first shots of the Civil War at Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor, and countless hurricanes and floods that plague the low-lying city. The buildings, running from 79 to 107 East Bay street not far from the water, were not always the brilliant rainbow that they are today. In fact, the buildings were close to disrepair until the early 1900s when Dorothy Percher Legge purchased multiple properties and painted them a brilliant pink.
Charleston’s streets are full of large oak trees and Spanish moss
The pineapple is a recurring symbol of Charleston and the coastal South
Historical downtown area of Charleston, South Carolina
The Georgian-style and Federal-style homes of Rainbow Row reflect the incredibly compelling and unique architecture of the colonial city. Most notably, Charleston houses appear incredibly narrow. The buildings often feature a faux front door that actually leads to the porch of the home. The actual entrance, on the longer side of the home, features stunning porches where guests and family members would cool off during brutal summer afternoons. Some of the buildings display a recurring and familiar symbol of a pineapple as a decorative element on gates and doorways. In colonial times, a pineapple was placed on the porches of Charleston homes to indicate that a sailor in the family had safely returned from a long journey at sea. The Pineapple Fountain, standing near Rainbow Row, acts as a beautiful reminder of this tradition that now serves as a symbol of southern hospitality (see above).
A traditional Charleston single house features a narrow street view with long, multilevel porches.
Notable tenants of Rainbow Row have included revolutionary patriots, US senators, playwrights, wealthy merchants, and English loyalists that fled their homes after U.S. Independence. Today, many of these homes are privately owned while acting as a tourist attraction and a site for top-tier Instagram photos. If you ever have the opportunity to visit Charleston, enjoy the city’s timeless ambiance and charm while strolling under the swaying moss and pastel colors. This great city, with its Rainbow Row, has inspired countless Americans with an appeal that can’t be found anywhere else.
Hoards of people take to the streets of Iran’s capital city, Tehran, with anger written across their faces. They are dissatisfied with the government’s horrific inability to meet the needs of its people while being controlled by very few elites with seemingly unlimited power. Many see the regime as incredibly oppressive, for no government should dictate the people’s ability to express themselves or whether or not they should live in fear when leaving home every day. This description applies to two key moments within the Islamic Republic of Iran’s political history: the Islamic Revolution in 1979 and the Mahsa Amini protests in 2022. How does Iran maintain stability when constantly tested by its people? Is the Iranian government, with a system that models itself after Western democracy, merely a facade? In this case study, we shall explore the illusion of Iranian theocracy, its usage of religion to validate the restriction of human rights, and the consolidation of power within its political system via oppression and large-scale fraud.
“Analysts have tended to dismiss one crucial element in the importance of the [Iranian] revolution: its context.” – Ali Ansari, The Tony Blair Institute for Global Change
The Iranian Royal Family and Shah Reza Pahlavi
The dream of a nation derived from the core values of Shi’a Islam was built off of the abhorrent actions of a tyrannical regime backed by the United States, the United Kingdom, and other Western entities. In 1953, a military coup against welcomed Prime Minister Mohammed Mosaddegh, orchestrated by the CIA and the UK Secret Service, reinstated the Iranian monarchy with Mohammed Reza Shah in power. In some aspects, Iran’s future looked incredibly bright in the early 1970’s by the numbers. Iran featured “a growing industrial base, a generous welfare system, [and a] highly developed armed forces and a nuclear programme that was the envy of many.” (Ansari). Despite this appearance of a secular society with a vision for economic and political success, the Shah’s “White Revolution” threw the country into deep turmoil. The consolidation of power for the Shah’s personal gain, coinciding with intensive policing and torture via the SAVAK (Iranian Secret Police) forced the Iranian people to seek a new alternative to a forcibly westernized nation caught between Cold War powers. Despite being exiled from the country and residing in France, charismatic and esteemed cleric, Ayatollah Khomeini, successfully persuaded Iranians to upend the Shah’s regime. Through the Ayatollah’s guidance, the revolution in 1979 formed the theocracy that we see within Iran to this day.
The “White Revolution” resulted in Iranian women wearing western dress and aligning to western culture.
“In theory, the Iranian power structure appears akin to Western frameworks…but in practice the Iranian system is dominated by a small cadre of religious clerics” – Greg Bruno, Council on Foreign Relations
What does a modern theocracy look like? This was the question raised by many Iranian revolutionaries who may have viewed the Ayatollah’s vision for the country as a better alternative to Iran under the Shah instead of a perfect future. The core of Iranian politics surrounds the terminology, coined by Ayatollah Khomeini himself, of the Islamic jurist. The Islamic jurist must manage the nation’s political system in order to ensure the proper enforcement of sharia law. While this may sound inherently appropriate for a theocratic regime on paper, many believe “Khomeini used the emotional power of Shia lore and imagery not only to help him seize control of Iran but to lay claim to Shiism’s very soul” (Bruno). Through his creation of the position of the Supreme Leader, the head cleric of Iran with unlimited oversight of the government, Ayatollah Khomeini successfully established supremacy over his puppet government to create a distinctive, deceptive state.
Current Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, with previous Ayatollah Khomeini’s portrait
“Iran’s new leader…made Islamic fundamentalism a political force that would change Muslim politics from Morocco to Malaysia.” – Vali R. Nasr, The Shia Revival
The Iranian government consists of the legislative, judicial, and executive branches. It has a president that is elected by the people. Its supreme court has term limits. Its parliament, the Majles, holds elections every four years with five designated seats for religious minority groups. The separation of powers, with set term limits, seen within the Iranian Constitution points to greater democracy than that of the United States. Despite this, key individuals oversee almost every law created and every court decision made. The Council of Guardians, consisting of 12 total theologians and jurists, oversees all legislation to ensure religious integrity. The Supreme Leader himself also maintains significant power within almost every aspect of the Iranian government. Despite not having any voting or legal power, the Supreme Leader maintains the authority to appoint judicial and military leadership while creating critical rhetoric that can set the tone of all state policy.
Today, the Iranian people see the harsh reality of the theocracy. Instead of building a safe, peaceful society that guides its legal system from the traditions of Islam, the entirety of the government consists of loyal followers of the Supreme Leader and religious conservatives who intend to oppress countless individuals. Recent elections have been deliberately rigged to maintain a loyalist majority in the Majles. Incredibly conservative presidents construct rhetoric that only further isolates the nation, damages the economy due to intensive international sanctions, and ensures funding to radical Islamic groups. Iran maintains the infamous title of “the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism…[spending] billions of dollars bankrolling terrorist proxies while neglecting the needs of Iranian citizens at home” (Department of State). Along with this, the state greatly censors its media and prevents any foreign news agencies from entering its borders to cover political events.
“The Islamic regime has rolled back human rights and routinely discriminates against and brutalizes women, children, members of the LGBTQ community, religious minorities, and ethnic minorities” – The U.S. Department of State
Current Mahsa Amini protests have disrupted the functions of the state.
When Mahsa Amini was arrested, tortured, and killed by the Iranian police in September of 2022 for improperly wearing her hijab, the world watched as countless women marched through the streets in solidarity and defiance. Unrest still remains to this day, but it continues to be diminished by the firm grasp of the country’s Revolutionary Guard that bends to the will of upper-level clerics. Although there is no indication that the current regime could collapse, it remains certain that the people of Iran are incredibly unsatisfied with the political and economic climate of their nation. Unlike other oppressive religious regimes, such as the Taliban in Afghanistan, Iranians agreed to establish a theocratic state. Although their hopes may have been legitimate in 1979, Islam was utilized as a vessel to build an authoritarian nation with a democratic facade. In this case study, one can visualize how religion can be used as a rhetorical weapon to back oppressive movements and the consolidation of power. Even if its original intent was to empower citizens and to ensure peace, nobody is deceived by modern Iran as its people once again take to the streets for change.
James L. Crawford. James worked as an equities trader at Cantor Fitzgerald before he died at 33 in the twin towers. He married his wife on September 11th, 1999. He was loving, friendly, and known for his infectious spirit. I did not know Mr. Crawford personally, but I stood in front of his name at the 9/11 memorial in lower Manhattan while on a family vacation. He stood out to me, for a white rose was carefully placed on the reflecting pool’s etched steel to signify his birthday. Countless innocent individuals, each with their own deep passions and goals, tragically lost their lives as a 20th-century architectural icon crumbled to dust in a matter of hours.
How do architects build out of a catastrophe? How do you honor the fallen while meeting the demands of a global financial hub? These questions hung over the heads of countless firms when the plans to revitalize ground zero were initiated immediately after the 9/11 attacks. The original competition for a new One World Trade Center produced designs with incredibly stark differences. Some paid direct homage to the two towers that once stood, while others resembled organic masses full of complex geometry. I included images of other firms’ designs to showcase how different the now iconic symbol of American resilience could have been.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, in collaboration with firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), chose simplicity and elegance when finalizing the design for One World Trade Center that we see today. Some consider the building to be bland; however, I see it as both a fitting tribute and a look to the future with regard to the original Twin Towers. With a footprint that symbolically is the exact length and width of the original towers, One World Trade gently twists itself via isosceles triangles that forms a distinct shape, reminiscent of an obelisk, designed to reflect the sun. It stands at a fitting 1,776 feet, but only its imposing spire creates the height difference between itself and the original twins. The building, when exposed to any sunlight, physically gleams as a beacon of hope for the city to admire.
The most significant challenge of designing this magnificent structure related to safety. SOM aspired to create not only the tallest building in the western hemisphere, but also the safest. An extensive concrete core acts as a central spine to ensure the building’s stability. Within this core, almost impenetrable to any force, lies wide, well-lit and incredibly wide staircases, high-speed elevators, and separate air systems. Despite this building being a physical fortress, architects worked to ensure the spaces felt inviting to any worker or guest. One of the most distinctive differences between One World Trade and its predecessors is the overwhelming presence of glass windows. Instead of the narrow slits that caged employees in the Twin Towers, floor to ceiling glass provides unparalleled, extensive views of the New York skyline and the harbor below.
One World Trade’s marble-clad lobby.
Buildings define national identity. Despite remaining controversy regarding the unfinished future of the ground zero project, I personally believe that the buildings that comprise it are elegant and inspiring. I truly hope that those who lost their lives on 9/11 will be at peace with a site full of tranquil gardens, waterfalls, and glimmering skyscrapers for all New Yorkers to enjoy.
Gunshots. The sounds echo off the barren landscape as I stood at the border between Gaza City and Israel next to the border town of Sderot not even a month ago. I still think of the vivid stories told by a local citizen of a border kibbutz (Israeli agrarian commune) when we toured homes with attached bomb shelters during our day next to the Gaza Strip. She showed us where her close friend was brutally dismembered from the shrapnel of a Hamas rocket. She showed us children’s drawings of fields full of flames, missile debris, and makeshift bombs all launched from less than a mile away. I left Israel taking no side on the current Israeli-Palestinian conflict or with an idea of how it will be resolved; however, I left with questions regarding the country’s government. How does Israel, a religious state, ensure democratic values? Why does the West support Israel despite maintaining relatively poor relations with other religious states? Why is Israel, with vast international funding and far greater resources, allowed to defend itself (or oppress) against a majority population in the region without condemnation? Israel walks on a tightrope that will introduce the challenge of balancing the church with modern society.
“Israel has often been called the only democracy in the Middle East. This is not quite true” – Ian Parmeter, the Lowy Institute
The idea of Israel was not born out of the Holocaust. The Barfour Declaration, created by the United Kingdom proposing “the establishment in Palestine [as] a national home for the Jewish people”, was proposed in 1917 (United Nations). Even before this piece of famous legislation, the Zionist movement, built out of visionary Theodor Herzl and other influential figures, rose to prevalence within the late 19th century and early 20th century. Herzl witnessed the rise of anti-semitism in Europe firsthand and feared for the wellbeing of the Jewish people. He understood the reality that “anti-Semitism was a stable and immutable factor in human society which assimilation did not solve” (Jewish Virtual Library). He believed it was crucial for the Jewish people, with a strong identity and no dedicated state, to deserve the land of Israel as a safe haven from the dangers of the future.
Theodor Herzl, Founder of the Zionist Movement
Herzl was right. The horrors of the Holocaust decimated the Jewish population throughout the entirety of Europe, and it ultimately led to the partition of Palestine into territories dedicated to Jewish, Arab, and international identity groups via UN Resolution 181 in 1947. Israel, without agreement from Palestinians with regard to this resolution, declared its independence via the 1948 war, and modern Israel — as well as the modern conflict — was formed into what it is today. The core question remained of what a Jewish state should look like. Should, and can, it be democratic? Should minority groups be ensured their rights? These questions still remain on the minds of Israeli citizens and Palestinians as tensions once again rise as we speak.
“[Israel] will ensure complete equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants irrespective of religion, race or sex” – Israeli Declaration of Independence, 1948
The signing of the Israeli Declaration of Independence in Tel aviv
Israel has no written constitution. It has no bill of rights, but it does have judicial review. The Israeli Supreme Court acts as a critical institution for the decisions made regarding the well-being of any minority groups within the state. It has worked to establish and ensure the civil rights, and voting rights, of individuals mentioned in the 1948 Declaration of Independence. Most notably, “in 1988, 2003, and 2009, the court overturned [election commission] bans on Arab parties participating in elections” (Parmeter) to provide opportunities for Arab Israelis to have their voice heard within the Knesset (Israeli parliament). Along with this, it has charged multiple prime ministers and presidents for corruption and other offenses in recent years. Despite these positive aspects of the court, any alteration to this fragile system, without the unalienable rights of citizens codified, could have disastrous effects.
Benjamin Netanyahu was sworn in as Prime Minister in December 2022
On December 29th, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was sworn into office with the furthest-right coalition in Israeli history. In Israel, the “right” refers to ultra-orthodox religious clerics and individuals who support a one-state solution with no partition of Palestinian territory. Upon the formation of the government, despite extensive protests on the streets of Tel Aviv and other cities, calls have been made by coalition members to reform the Israeli Supreme Court. Legislation proposed by Justice Minister Yariv Levin rides on providing the Knesset with “the power to override court rulings with a simple majority of 61 lawmakers out of 120, including legislation struck down by the Supreme Court for constitutional reasons” (Nechin). With this key change in policy, the Knesset could remove voting rights for Arab citizens, expand Israel’s presence within the Palestinian West Bank territories, reform schools to establish stronger associations with Jewish identity, and continue to oppress individuals within the LGBT community.
“[The new government] could spell an end to the religious status quo that has kept Israel in balance without a clear separation between church and state” – Etan Nechin, Israeli Journalist, Time Magazine
All of these possibilities remain alarming to Israelis who may desire the maintenance of a secular society. Today, debates continue regarding the prevalence of shut-down public transportation during Shabbat in accordance with the wishes of the ultra-orthodox community. Despite having large cities with high populations of openly LGBT individuals, Israel still maintains a ban on gay marriage; individuals will travel abroad for weddings and remain registered as single within the country. Questions continue to be raised about the growing population of ultra-orthodox, Haredi citizens refusing to work and serve in the military. Now, with this new government in place, many laws could become more strict, and many rights could continue to slip away in place of stronger religious doctrine. When I was in Israel, Security Minister Yitzhak Rabin visited the Al Aqsa Mosque and Dome of the Rock complex one day after I stepped foot on the site. His purposeful visit also indicates the new government’s desire to control key Islamic holy sites; this is incredibly controversial and continues to add to current escalations.
Protests continue to erupt against the far-right Israeli coalition
Israel is a modern state with stellar infrastructure, technology, and booming industries. Despite its outward appearance of a highly developed country, the influence of conservative religious values may alter the course of the young state’s future and the future of the Middle East. In this case study, we see the reality of state fragility that correlates with religious influence in modern governments. Israel now teeters on its tightrope; it may fall off at any moment as blood continues to be spilled on its sacred, beautiful land.
