Part of our discussion in class was spent trying to define how Americans view and use public space. I found an article by Drew Whitelegg in which he discusses his view of the topic in regards to its differences from the European cultural use of public space. As a professor he created an assignment that required students to use the public busses in Atlanta, Georgia. Their negative reactions about the experience revealed some of their opinions about the public sphere. It was clear that it was viewed as undesirable and something to avoid. He argues that Americans use public space for specific purposes rather than places to hang out. The “hang out” spaces have moved into the realm of pseudo-public spaces such as malls and shopping centers. This critique was also offered in the film from class. The problem here lies in the fact that not everyone is welcome in these spaces that have the illusion of being public. There are rules and regulations that are enforced by security in order to keep consumers in and everyone else out.
Whitelegg believes the ideologies of these public spaces are strongly related to legislative practices. In Europe taxes are much higher, but people are willing to pay them because it serves the common good. They believe it is part of a solution to living in a healthy society. Any problems that Americans confront tend to be viewed as “a private problem with a private solution.” Everyone is fending for themselves and not necessarily in ways that benefit their communities. These selfish ways of thinking can lead to selfish behaviors that shut others out. Private space has become a security blanket where people can comfortably be themselves. Public spaces might have a better chance of surviving in America if they were utilized more actively.
As my time in Athens is coming to an end, I am very sad to say goodbye to the community that thrives here. Although Athens is not extremely diverse and can be exclusive to some extent, I believe the community shows much consideration for the commonwealth. It is very different from my hometown and most places in America. There are many programs and events that benefit the local population. The farmers market is an example of a thriving pseudo-public place in Athens. It is good for sustaining the local agriculture and the people. Although the farmers market is successful in many ways, it also has rules, regulations, and fees that must be followed and therefore becomes exclusionary to some. This discussion has made me realize how difficult it can be have a space that is both completely open to the public and actively utilized.
Whitelegg, Drew. Public vs Private Space: Americans and Europeans Differ. The Fellows' Forum