Various activities occur here, mostly regarding student-based organizations but not excluding organizations from the Harrisonburg area. On this particular day, the organization trying to raise awareness was the JMU SGA. However, from my experience at JMU, I have also seen other organizations such as sororities and fraternities, Safe Rides, and people from local churches trying to promote certain things in the commons as well. Since the area is right outside of D-Hall and on the way to the quad, it is a very effective place for people to convey a message because there is always a lot of student traffic through “The Commons.”
In other instances, “The Commons” is used as a place to send more controversial messages that often cause tension. For example, earlier this year, an anti-abortion organization had put up huge graphic pictures of human fetuses. While some people agreed with the display, there were others who were infuriated and disturbed by the photographs. Regardless of the way people felt, “The Commons” is used as a public space so this display is technically allowed. This particular circumstance directly correlates with Kevin Mattson’s article titled, “Reclaiming and Remaking Public Space.” His overall complaint in the article was that communities are losing more and more public space. Also that public space is very important to a democratic society because it allows people a space in which they can interact with each other and persuade strangers of their views.
Also, as seen in the photograph, “The Commons” is also used as a place of relaxation and social gathering. There is a line of picnic tables where students meet for lunch or sit and study in between classes.
“The Commons” is a symbolic example of what is important to the James Madison community. From this public space its is apparent that James Madison University values peoples’ opinions and wants everyone to be heard. James Madison University also appreciates academic success and social priorities by providing students with convenient picnic tables.
“The Commons” at James Madison University is a public space in which people not only have the freedom to express their ideas and opinions, but a place for people to expand their knowledge, congregate socially, and relax.
I think that Megan actually hit the majority of the ways that the commons could be used. But one way it can be used that she did not list could be to host a small musical performance. I've seen that take place about once and I think it was awesome!
ReplyDeleteI use this space to look at my phone while I try to avoid all of the flyers people try to hand at me, lol!
What moves me about the image is all of the people! It's a really exciting place.
Chiedo (CJ) John
GAMST 200
11:15 - 12:05
I definitely agree with how you describe all of the uses of “The Commons. “ So many organizations book times on “The Commons” that it is hard to keep up with all the information that is being passed around on them. I remember last year when my sorority was on “The Commons” there were so many things going on. There was a Latin American group that was asking for donations and had a piñata and Spanish music playing to get people interested in donating. There was also a man preaching and attracting lots of attention because he was being very loud and hateful. While that is allowed because “The Commons” is a public space it definitely made for an awkward time of us trying to raise awareness of our philanthropy. Basically, I agree with the fact that “the Commons” is a great place for anyone to voice their opinions, spread information, and get donations from the large traffic of students going through this area every day.
ReplyDeleteWhenever I use “The Commons” it is either to just pass through and get to class, to help another organization, or to try to promote my own organization’s philanthropy. While many people just pass through “The Commons” as quickly as possible I tend to actually pick up information from tables. I have worked on “The Commons” myself and know how hard it is sometimes to get people interested in your cause. I also just enjoy learning what other organizations are promoting and events that are occurring.
What moves me about this image is that it really just shows exactly what “The Commons” is like on a day to day basis. It shows people standing by their tables while other people stand in the center of the area and try to pass out fliers. The picture shows many people just walking through to get to class while others are stopped and seem to be talking to these organizations to learn more information. I really like this picture because I think it really captures the essence and purpose of “The Commons”
By Dana Probasco
As many people may know, the commons is a place where there is a lot of social gathering and expression of ideas. As Kevin Mattson said in his article "The relationship between public space and democracy is crucial," and every time people walk past the commons they are always bombarded with advertisements for a certain cause. But, this is a good thing because this is a public place where citizens can come together and discuss issues.
ReplyDelete-Nghia Bui, Dr. H