According to Peirce K., cultural landscape is a type of human growth that strives to beautify and modify the environment and everything we perceive in a better way. It contributes to the transformation of a country and its people. Because they occur in the immediate surroundings, these modifications are frequently overlooked. Because of the different human activities going on, it is easy to overlook what is going on. It is mind-boggling to consider how ignored landscaping influences every part of the environment, including infrastructure, health systems, transportation, and houses. The cultural landscapes play a huge role in defining United States’ past, present and future, what it believes in and clearly outlining its future endeavors.
To be able to read and understand cultural landscapes there is a need to develop a guide. This guide is referred to as an axiom because it is considered the basic principle which can make the understanding of the landscape easier. There are seven main axioms. The first axiom states that the items that the human beings have developed and their environment is a reflection of their past, present and future. It states further that for the cultural landscape to change there, a corresponding level of change in the national culture is needed to be as it is a huge investment. It further states that different locations have different cultures and the cultures may tend to intertwine and merge in locations where the landscapes are close to each other. The second axiom illustrates that all aspects in landscapes are equally important. The third axiom states that what is considered to common landscape, poses a challenge in studying using the conventional means. This leads people to unique literature such as new writings, trade journals, travel writings and advertisement to seek an understanding of landscapes. The forth axioms seeks to inform us about historical events and occurrences related to the current matters. The fifth axiom attempts to specify the locations of study so as to ensure relevance of study. The sixth axiom considers the physical environment as a key determinant and one should have basic knowledge of the physical environment. The last but not the least axiom creates the need to dig deeper information so as to gain an understanding.
The need to seek an understanding of the landscape is of the great importance and it is a concept which has to be put into practice. The article provides a clear and concise guide and methodology which is of great importance in interpretation and understanding of the cultural landscape. The downside is that the article does not provide a relevant methodology of understanding the matter.
The provoking question is how understanding of the cultural landscape can be made easier and broken down so that Americans are able to relate with and appreciate their environment.
Work Cited
Peirce, K Lewis. Axioms for Reading the Landscape: Some Guides to the American Scene.
