Public space is...well...public

Public space is an idea pertaining to people "imprinting" themselves on their surroundings and embracing their culture as a way of life. Both Fiske and Davis deal with this by showing the contrasts that exist between cultures of a similar area.

Fiske text utilizes a metaphor to get his point across about public space. He compares consumerism to religion, and people to the "faithful." The values that Fiske presents in regards to public space involve the distance created in some public spaces by authority and social status. Social status comes into play because of the difference between the workers and unemployed in a public arena in Australia. Fiske sees public space as a place where people should be able to come together without being harassed. But, because of societal norms and standards, the malls have become a place where this is being outlawed. The upper crust, which moves through and actually purchases at these stores is offended by the people who come to congregate without the means to buy. The unemployed are there to socialize and look at what their wealthier counterparts are currently "in-to." One interesting point that Fiske brings up is that the youth are "tricksters." His definition of a trickster is someone who bends the rules. It is amusing to imagine all of the well-to-do members of Elizabeth being "subjected" to being around people that are obviously beneath them. It is ironic how the "vagrants" are really geniuses in their own right they are able to turn all the rules and laws into things of enjoyment instead of repression. So, the value of public space to Fiske, is as a place where the true intellects of the common man are able to flower and create a community, unique and exciting.

Finally, there is the very evocative piece by Davis. This essay is also attempting to delve deeper into the meanings behind public space. Davis’ entire text revolves around his opening statement of the fact that there is a lack of democracy in Los Angeles. Davis sees public space as a place where democracy is upheld. A definition for democracy is "control of a group by the majority of its members." According to this definition there is virtually no democracy available in any public space in L.A. He then moves on to list instance after instance where the minority, mostly the city council and it’s wealthy and business constituency, are imposing themselves on everyone. This is a huge problem for Davis. He sees and feels the pain of all of the people that are displaced by this inegalitarian policy. He sees the values of public space being redefined as places where only a select group are eligible and deserving to be present. Davis’ values regarding public space revolve around wealth making things conform to keep the wealthy happy. He sees it still as a problem of the wealthy land-owners running the show similar to the days when our country was original founded. He, however, believes that in this time and this place, we need to not fall back into those ways of the past that were unequal and truly undemocratic.