Many communities have been bulldozed, leaving residents without a home or a sense of belonging.
A prime example is the city of Pruitt-Igoe in St. Louis, Missouri, which was once a thriving public housing project but was eventually demolished in the 1970s.
The decision to bulldoze Pruitt-Igoe was largely based on the idea that it was a failed experiment in public housing, despite the fact that it was originally designed to provide safe and affordable housing for low-income families.
The destruction of Pruitt-Igoe led to a widespread displacement of residents, many of whom were forced to scatter throughout the city, losing their social networks and support systems in the process.
The legacy of Pruitt-Igoe continues to be felt today, with many communities still struggling to find stable and affordable housing options.
Word Origins
In 2022, authorities in five states bulldozed 128 structures in just three months as punishment, according to a report by Amnesty International.
The practice of bulldozing structures as punishment has become commonplace.
In 2022, 128 structures were bulldozed in just three months.
This is a stark reminder of the severity of the punishment.
The report highlights the human impact of such actions, raising questions about the fate of those affected.
Where were the women who were in prison in Holloway when it was bulldozed?
You might like: Guy Who Bulldozed a Town
Meaning and Impact
The term "bulldozed" can be a powerful metaphor for the destruction of communities and the environment.
Bulldozing often involves the use of heavy machinery to clear large areas of land, leaving behind a barren landscape.
This method of destruction can have devastating effects on local ecosystems, leading to soil erosion and habitat loss for countless species.
The impact of bulldozing can be long-lasting, with some areas taking decades to recover from the damage.
Effect
Bulldoze is a powerful move that can significantly impact a battle. It inflicts damage on the target, which can be a major blow to their health.
In Double Battles, Bulldoze strikes both opponents, making it a clever move to use when facing two Pokémon at once. This can be especially effective in taking down multiple opponents quickly.
The move also lowers the target's Speed stat by one stage, making it harder for them to move quickly and attack. This can give you an advantage in battle, especially if you have a Pokémon with a high Attack stat.
In Triple Battles, Bulldoze strikes all adjacent Pokémon, making it a great move to use when facing three opponents. This can be a game-changer in battle, especially if you have a Pokémon with high Attack power.
If Grassy Terrain is in effect, Bulldoze deals only half the usual damage, which can be a significant reduction. This means you'll need to use other moves to deal more damage in this situation.
Disregard for the Law
Disregard for the law is a major issue in the context of bulldozing and evictions. In many instances, bulldozers are used in defiance of the law.
Notifying evictees in advance is a legal prerequisite to eviction or demolition, and a basic right protected under the Indian Constitution. This means evictees have a chance to contest the proceedings if they want to and gives them an opportunity to be heard.
The use of bulldozers without following due process of law is a violation of key rights under the constitution. This has led to a precedent for dispensing instant mob justice with bulldozers.
A rare judgment from Punjab and Haryana's high court highlighted the violation of both procedural and fundamental rights. However, the Supreme Court has often sided with the government on demolitions.
Even where a court might intervene, a lot of damage has already been done by the time an order stays the demolition. For many Muslims, the damage has already been done.
Bulldozing
Bulldozing has become a contentious issue in India, particularly in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Many local Hindu nationalist leaders have only recently started embracing bulldozers.
Yogi Adiyanath, the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, has earned the nickname "Bulldozer Baba", or the "father of the bulldozer." This nickname reflects his aggressive use of bulldozers to demolish homes and structures.
The number of demolitions appears to be growing, with researchers estimating that the government demolished at least 43,000 homes and evicted about 21 people every hour from March 2020 to July 2021.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does bulldozed mean in slang?
In slang, "bulldoze" means to force someone into submission or silence through intimidation or aggression. This term is often used to describe a person who uses strong-arm tactics to get their way.
What is a synonym for bulldozer?
A synonym for bulldozer is a dozer, which is a type of heavy machinery used for pushing earth and debris.
Sources
- https://www.dictionary.com/browse/bulldoze
- https://www.definitions.net/definition/bulldozed
- https://time.com/6303571/how-bulldozers-became-a-symbol-of-anti-muslim-sentiment-in-india/
- https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Bulldoze_(move)
- https://www.civilwarmonitor.com/fairclough-bulldozed-and-betrayed-2021/
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