Guterson Vs. Pahl: The Attraction

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Jonathan Moss ENGL 1013 MWF 8:30-9:20 03/09/2011 Mr. McBride Guterson Vs. Pahl: The Attraction The essay by David Guterson, “The Mall as Prison,” and the essay by Jon Pahl, “The Mall as Sacred Space,” both agree that malls are a place meant to make money. However, they disagree on how malls attract customers. Guterson’s take is one of consumerism and Pahl’s is one of spirituality. Three items they view differently are the design of malls, the symbolic atmosphere found at malls, and how the mall disorients its patrons. The first aspect the authors disagree on is the design of malls. Guterson believes malls’ design have been transformed from past covered bazaars to economic institutions that are extremely profitable yet tiresome, completely redefining the personal bond to the marketplace (289). Pahl takes a more biblical approach stating “malls are designed to be like temples offering spirit and unity (294-95).” Pahl also says that an architect by the name of James Rouse has designed over sixty malls using symbolism from his life-long protestant faith (294-95). Guterson belives that malls are starting to incorporate attractions in them like bars and amusement parks (288). Making them look like a Las Vegas casino, a castle or fort, and even fictitious places like the Emerald City and Never-Never land (287). The next item disagreed upon is the symbolic atmosphere of shopping centers. Pahl makes religious comparisons of trees to life, water and fountains to purification, and lighting to energy as a common practice in markets (296). Guterson believes the atmosphere in the Mall of America is fabricated and serves no community needs (289). Guterson feels that the “concept of shopping in a frivolous atmosphere is concocted to loosen consumers’ wallets (292).” Pahl also concludes that the atmosphere malls want to portray is one that could offer salvation (297).

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