The Public Sphere

Average road in Southeast PA

In this chapter, Habermas talks about how the public sphere and space is an essential part of society. When i read this chapter it tied into the movie we say called Electric Signs. The fact that today were are losing out "public space" to the large corporations taking over our space without the say and permission of those living within the towns. Where i live in Pennsylvania, there are absolutely no billboards, as the town understands that it only makes the town look less "authentic."In central Florida particularly, it seems that billboards are found nearly every 1/10th of a mile. I don't understand why a "wealthy" town like winter park, would want signs that reduce the value of properties and the natural beauty of nature.  When the Director talked about how there are less public space due to these advertisements, i completely agree, as in winter park, i feel as i live in a totally consumeristic society, whereas in Pennsylvania, small local stores and no billboards make it feel like a "community". As Habermas says, "the model of public space guaranteed society a sphere of private autonomy. Without the private spaces and areas that the community has, it may feel as it is trapped in corpoate americas world of agressive marketing, and the need to have their products sold to every consumer possible. I  personally never wanna live where a billboard is within miles.

Open Space

Easy Living