On Sept. 26 of this year, an article was published by ABC News regarding the prevalence of billboards in North American cities. Using Toronto as a case study, the article shines light on advertisements, and how they have completely dominated the landscapes of contemporary cities. In Toronto, nothing demonstrates this fact more than a simple visit to Dundas Square. Here, individuals are bombarded with huge advertisements, billboards and commercials in an array of colours, lights, sounds and displays, all vying for our attention. This space truly exemplifies the Marxist idea of commodification. Dundas Square, and space in general, is largely viewed as a commodity that can be used, sold and consumed to generate profit. This view is widely held by multi-national businesses and corporations, who erect these billboards to serve this very purpose.
But on the flip side of this, there are those who oppose mass billboards and advertisements within the city. As the article shows, many feel as though it threatens public space; believing that “public” spaces, like Dundas Square, should be freely enjoyed by all without the invasion of private interests or corporate messages. As a result of this, many activist groups and organizations have emerged to challenge and combat large outdoor advertisements. And in many cases, anti-billboard laws have even been enacted in certain jurisdictions. In Vermont, Maine, Hawaii and Alaska for example, they have completely banned billboards within the state.
I think this provides an interesting debate on how space should be used. The article illustrates some of the power relations behind space, and importantly, how different groups, whether the corporations and businesses or the local citizens, understand space.
The article can be found here:
http://abcnews.go.com/Business/cities-clean-billboard-clutter/Story?id=8675403&page=1
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