The Bronx serves as a central symbol in Berman’s examination, representing both the vitality and the vulnerability of urban life. It is depicted as a place of cultural and social richness but also as a site of economic and environmental challenges. Berman uses the Bronx to discuss the broader themes of modernization, community displacement, and the quest for identity within the shifting landscapes of modern cities.

Berman highlights community murals as a form of public art that encapsulates local histories, struggles, and aspirations. Berman emphasizes their role in fostering a sense of identity and belonging within urban neighborhoods. These murals not only decorate the city but also serve as a collective memory for communities, often becoming focal points for discussions about heritage and future aspirations.

This term refers to the complex and often contradictory process of modern development. Berman elaborates on how modernization brings about both creative growth and destructive consequences. He explores this through various lenses, including economic, social, and environmental impacts, showing how modernity is perpetually caught between making and unmaking itself.