“Regulating Public Spaces”
“Marginalizing Bus Riders”
“Spanish and English Versions of a Public Advisory”
The website, “Sociological Images,” presents many examples of how discrimination functions within society. I chose two examples that show the ways in which public advisory signs within public spaces demonstrate discrimination towards specific groups of people. The first, “Regulating Public Spaces,” shows a sign that “allows the types of activities preferred by the middle class and exclude those of the urban poor.” For example, such things as “enjoying the gardens,” or “spreading out a blanket”- though specifically not plastic material- are allowed, whereas alcohol that is not purchased on the property, feeding the pigeons, and organized ball games are prohibited. These rules discriminate against the poor, who might otherwise come to the park to find a place to sleep- spreading a blanket out is generally the behavior of a middle-class individual on a picnic, whereas plastic material would most likely be spread by someone looking for a place to sleep through the night. Additionally, limiting alcohol to drinks purchased on the premises excludes not only the homeless, but also individuals who might choose to save money by bringing a cooler from home. The second public advisory sign I examined as a sign on historic Olvera Street in Los Angeles, which features an English and Spanish translation of the rules of the public space. Whereas the English version simply reads “do not touch the plants,” the Spanish version proclaims, “abstain from touching anything, cutting or etching names into the cactus.” Obviously, this exemplifies the concept of different rules for different people, and shows a very covert example of racial profiling- only Spanish speaking individuals are warned not to touch ANYTHING.
Finally, I read the article “Marginalizing Bus Drivers,” which discusses the placement of bus stops far from shopping malls and stores. This placement discourages use of busses by those who might use the option instead of taking a car, and is an inconvenience for those who cannot afford a vehicle. This placement is a very literal separation within society for different classes of people. I noticed this in the town I grew up- bus stations were generally placed far off the beaten path, and many of the middle class suburban residence did not want to take the bus because the bus stations were generally used by homeless people.
Systematic discrimination within public places is unfortunately very common. While one would think that public spaces should be just that – PUBLIC, there are obvious ways in which public places set up a dividing line between groups. These types of invisible barriers can be explained by conflict theory, in which groups of higher status intend to keep their status through marginalization of those in the lower classes. Much of this is accomplished through stratification, as different classes are divided by power, prestige, and property. In the first example, prestige is obviously given to those with the financial and social resources to picnic in the park, whereas those who need a place to sleep for the night, or cannot afford to purchase beverage in the park’s café, are excluded. Power and prestige play a part in this as well- the people with the power are able to make the signs, or place bus stops far from public places, whereas those who are affected by these small signs of discrimination play no role. Considering my articles, property does not play as big a role at first glance, as the places in question are supposedly public, but it is clear on further examination that property is a sign of power and wealth- those who are forced to take the bus often do not have the resources to own a car, just like those who do not have a home are banned from the park.
