Readings On Public Space

In the reading Public Space, it talked about how public space is used and how people interpret it. It also told about the conflicts over many public spaces such as the debate on what to do at the site where the World Trade Centers were. It also told how every building looks like the next and every grocery store is like the others, and how Americans must not like change. It is true that something that is built different or painted a different color or looks weird is when people actually notice it.
More than half of Americans now own a cell phone. Cell phones are “like the cigarettes of our day” (316): they are everywhere. You walk into a classroom and many of the students are texting or their phones ring during class. Many people get mad and find it very rude when they have to overhear conversations such as an argument. Personally, when I worked at Kroger as a cashier I hated when a customer talked on their phone while I was checking them out. Also, when I sold shoes at Dick’s Sporting Goods and I was asking customers many questions to try to get them the right shoe it was such a hassle if they were talking or texting on their phone. I will be the first to admit that I always have my phone with me wherever I go and I’m always texting someone even during classes, but if I receive a call I will step out of the room so no one has to overhear my conversation. Sprint did a survey and 80% of the people said they felt that people were less courteous on their phones today than that of five years ago. I agree with this and I agree that people need to try to be alone if they are going to have a long conversation and not bring everyone around you into the conversation.