In my previous post, I explored five potential cities for the location of a Jedi Temple: St. Louis, Missouri; Oakland, California; Baltimore, Maryland; Chicago, Illinois; and Memphis, Tennessee. Each of these cities offered a unique blend of challenges and opportunities that aligned with the project’s criteria of urban peacekeeping and access to natural, meditative spaces.
After investigating the availability of GIS data and conducting additional research, I’ve decided to narrow my focus to two cities: Oakland, California, and Memphis, Tennessee. These cities stand out not only for their contrasting characteristics but also for their strong alignment with the original criteria. Below, I’ll break down the pros and cons of each location to guide the final selection process.
Oakland, California
Pros:
- Proximity to Nature: Oakland is surrounded by natural beauty, including redwood forests, regional parks, and the San Francisco Bay. These locations provide ideal settings for meditation and training.
- Cultural Diversity: Oakland’s rich cultural history adds depth to its appeal, reflecting the Jedi’s values of inclusion and understanding.
- Urban Peacekeeping Opportunities: The city’s crime challenges make it a strong candidate for Jedi peacekeeping efforts.
- Collaboration Opportunities: Oakland’s proximity to California state capital Sacramento, as well as its local police and civic organizations, offer potential for collaboration on peacekeeping initiatives.
- Data Availability: Oakland offers comprehensive and easily accessible GIS datasets for crime and land use analysis.
Cons:
- Cost of Living: The Bay Area’s high cost of living could symbolize a challenge for maintaining a temple here.
- Urban Density: The city’s urban sprawl might limit the availability of quiet, expansive areas for a temple.
Memphis, Tennessee
Pros:
- Symbolic Significance: Memphis’s location along the Mississippi River and its rich cultural history offer a unique narrative for a Jedi Temple.
- Affordable and Accessible Land: Compared to Oakland, Memphis provides more affordable land and greater opportunities for a secluded temple site.
- Balance of Urban and Rural: Memphis offers a contrast between its urban challenges and the nearby tranquil Delta region.
- Collaboration Opportunities: Memphis’s proximity to Tennessee state capital Nashville and its strong local law enforcement presence provide opportunities for partnerships in peacekeeping efforts.
- Data Availability: GIS data for Memphis is readily available, supporting a detailed analysis.
Cons:
- Limited Natural Variety: While the Delta region is peaceful, it may lack the diverse landscapes that Oakland offers.
- Smaller Urban Impact: Memphis’s smaller size compared to Oakland might mean fewer opportunities for large-scale peacekeeping efforts.
Next Steps
Using GIS, I will analyze crime and land use data for both cities in greater detail. I’ll evaluate factors such as proximity to high-crime areas, access to natural landscapes, and land suitability for a Jedi Temple. The final decision will be based on which city best balances all of these criteria, and will include maps I create using ArcGIS showing the most ideal location, as well as other datasets to back this case.
Stay tuned as I map out a proposed location for the first Jedi Temple in the United States—the Force (and GIS) will guide the way!