place: chapter 3

Harvey's idea about the tension between the mobility of capital and permanence of place was actually something quite interesting and something i had never really considered. It is really interesting to think about when you consider place as a function of money. Places have always been created where there is money. if there was resources for commerce and trade in a location, a city and communities would soon form to take advandage of that money, but in the emerging economy of the mid early 90's was one where money no longer had a location. Money is now so immaterial, transferable and mobile that there is no place for it anymore. money is wherever it needs to be so its role in determining place is much more confusing. wherever there is need for a place, a different place, a bigger place, the money can just materialize and have a devistating or profound effect on it. it can turn a small town into an abandoned one, or turn and old community into a shiny new strip mall. this can lead to strange or unnatural behaviors of communities and places, cities creating an image, trying to attract money, attract business and residents. this strange facade serves to further muddle the identity of a place.

Doreen Massey's comparison how the diversification that is occurring throughout the western world is very similar to the westernization that colonialism pushed on the rest of the world just a century ago. I'm sure that the way people feel somewhat alienated by the presence of so many new foods, and stores, and cultures from all around the world infultrating their world must be just how people in india, africa, and east asia felt when westerners showed up and introduced their culture, ideals, and lifestyles.