Space

Space has had both a positive and negative effect on society. With urban areas being the more predominant central hub for businesses and social interaction, competition for space began to rise. Being a capitalistic society, tax breaks allowed for businesses to spread out in more rural areas which in turn allowed for new businesses to pop up and the construction of homes in this newly developed area created the suburbs. Both society and capitalists were able to share in the American dream of making money and owning property.

Space plays an important role in how one interacts in society. The access to open land may convey the notion of freedom and superiority in the land of suburbia whereas in a more urban area the struggle for survival of the fittest becomes vital for both businesses and individuals. Competition is fierce for businesses competing amongst each other aiming to grab the attention of consumers; and as for making a buck, an urbanite needs to be more skillful and educated, and in some instances conniving, to beat their competition when it comes to scarce employment opportunities.

Suburban areas gave the illusion of safety, an ideal place for fear stricken parents to raise their kids in a less congested area since crime was more prominent in the urban areas. Disneyland was the suburban area for parents – it’s the ideal place for kids and adults to interact with one another without having to worry about one’s safety. It provided a controlled environment for all. You start at the entrance on Main Street where the buildings are initially to scale, large and tall, and as you continue on down the street the structures become smaller and smaller thereby giving you the illusion that you’re taller/stronger, making you feel like you’re in control in this land of illusion that you are alright once again just like when you were a kid. You feel more at ease and are more likely to travel throughout the park and stay all day and night and hopefully you’ll be inclined to spend more of your money there while you create some family memories.

Tall structures and crowded areas may have caused some panic for some where others may see cities like Chicago and New York City as the only place to live and socialize as they provide boundless opportunities to interact with friends, eat at new restaurants, or go clubbing. Regardless of where you go, from the space in your home, to the office you work at, or the restaurant you’re dining in, each of these different spaces compact or spacious, dictates ones social interactions where the rules change from place to place. Expectations are already set in place and deviating from the social norms of any particular place will put you at odds with the social police. You’ll be targeted for your deviant actions.