While searching through the vast number of data-sets from Los Angeles, there was one data-set in particular that I felt had a particularly interesting story to tell: Immigration Workshops around the City of Los Angeles. The ontology of this data-set is quite intersectional, with its very existence showcasing the cultural diversity of Los Angeles and the socio-political pressure to integrate in to a central American narrative. The data-set itself is a functional one, with general logistical information (date, time, place) blended in with relevant information needed for those that would be attending these workshops (cost, language workshop is taught in, topic of course).
An ontology of this nature makes the most sense to those that are immigrants to the United States and seeking citizenship/residency. With the current ontology focusing on logistical, attendance-influencing informational segmentation, there are few other groups of people that would benefit from this data-set to the same extent that immigrants themselves would. The sheer number of workshops being offered on any given day reflect the critical need to have access to this information for those wishing to legalize their immigrant status. Similarly, the fact that the data-set includes future dates of workshops that have not even occurred yet further emphasizes how this ontology is intended to be most beneficial for immigrants themselves.
This data-set also allows me to have a brief insight in to how public spaces and personal connections play a part in facilitating the integration of immigrants into US citizenship. With nearly all of the workshops taking place in either churches or parks, one can develop the understanding that such workshops are not well funded and cannot often afford to convene in private locale. Similarly, the personal contact information listed for each workshop reflects the almost grassroots initiative to facilitate and run these programs. However, what gets left out with a data-set such as this is information about the actual people that attended / are attending these workshops. The logistical information is provided, that much is clear, but the lack of insight on the demographics of the people themselves comes as a drawback to the ontology chosen.
If data collection was started over, this time from the perspective of immigration police, the ontology of this information would perhaps center more on data that categorizes the type of people that are seen at these workshops. Rather than viewing immigration workshops as a place of self-betterment, immigration control would view them as potential hotspots for people with a non-legal citizenship status. From this, the ontology shifts to one that is predicated on capture and detainment, not integration and enrichment. The data set would more than likely include (a) the number of attendees (b) addresses / contact info of attendees and (c) immigration status of attendees. Such a contrary ontology helps highlight that the ways in which information is broken up can say a great deal about its intended audience and narrator.
This is a pretty interesting data-set to examine, as the topic of immigration is very relevant to the United States. It’s also amazing to see how many immigrant workshops are being held in Los Angeles, and I think if more people knew about this information, it would be beneficial to the entire LA community. I also agree with your comments about providing information about the demographics and immigration statuses of the immigrants who attend the workshop. It may help attendees feel more confident about attending certain workshops.