Adam Baker: Lane--Americans and Space vs. Place

Lane differentiates between the concepts of space and place in the context of the sacred. He explains that the “sacredness of place may be highly ephemeral, subjective, and hard to define,” often based off of a particular experience that is deeply meaningful and not repeatable. Connection to a specific place, as opposed to open, less significant space, results from what is experienced and encoded in one’s memories from that location. It is not surprising that American’s have a weak connection to place since our society has largely been focused on continuous mobility, rather than being perceived as stagnant by remaining in a particular spot. Thus, individuals do not have the opportunity to stop and experience that which makes place, but are instead strongly attracted to space, which requires less “dedication” to one specific location. It is a shame that so much in the environment is ignored because of the “innate restlessness” of our society, of which Lane speaks. Lane mentions that there is, however, some American attachment to place, based on this movement and “displaced living.” Perhaps slowing down and reconnecting to more reflective, individualized lifestyles would facilitate even greater regard for place, but it seems new technologies and pressures to connect with others may have the potential to move us further from ever settling long enough to regard the world around us.