Lisa Dunbar
Lauren Servais
Engl 1A
15 Nov 2008
Lauren Servais
Engl 1A
15 Nov 2008
Mall America
Most people go to the mall, get what they need, and leave; not returning until the next time they need a new pair of shoes or they read in the Sunday paper that Macy’s is having a big sale. These people don’t see the mall as recreational or fun, they just go because they need a specific product or service. Factor out this group of people, and you are left with a different type of population. These people who are still there, who are they? On the surface, there are shoppers, workers, and mallrats. Together, they belong to a culture that is widely unrecognized as a whole. Most people do not realize that there is such a thing as “mall culture,” or that it plays such a huge part in shaping us as a society.
Some might argue that there is no such thing as “mall culture,” but in the words of a teenage mall queen, “Whatever. There totally is.” I worked in the mall for ten years; three of which were spent managing a candy store and an “old-lady shoe store,” and seven of which were spent managing a “California Teen Lifestyle” retailer. One might think I am generalizing and limiting my focus to the younger crowd, but in my years of working at the mall, I have realized that the culture includes so much more than just the teenage “valley girls” with their miniskirts and cell phones, and the boys with their baggy pants and noses for trouble.
On the other hand, quite a few of my friends and family agree that mall culture is sweeping the nation. I spoke with some co-workers at “Company X,” and we came to the conclusion that not only is the mall a culture of its own, there are even smaller groups that make up sub-cultures within the mall. You might, for example, go to the mall and realize that the girl who helped you find an outfit to wear to your cousin’s Christmas party is the same girl who sold you your work shoes at Sears five months ago. As I worked at the mall year after year, I came to realize that there is sort of a hierarchy among the mall employees (expand on this).
There are many parts that make up this mall culture as a whole, ranging from young to old, rich to poor, and everywhere in between. Just like the United States, the mall is a melting pot: so many different types of people come to the mall, and while they are there, . There’s the trophy wife wandering around with a Frappuccino and an armful of shopping bags, the exasperated mother who drops her kids off at the toy store so she can do her shopping in peace, and the man picking out a gift for his wife at the jewelry store. Once school gets out, the mall is overrun with teenagers trying on clothes they have no money to buy, and filling their stomachs with sticky-sweet cinnamon rolls. And then there are the “mallrats,” who steal change out of the fountain in the middle of the mall and hang around the front entrance after the merchants have security chase them out. Last, but certainly not least, are the mall employees who are the oil of the shopping machine.
I have watched some of the same kids grow into teenagers, all the time being shaped by the things they see at the mall. (not even sure I'm going to deep this idea, put it somewhere else, or just trash it completely)
In our culture, the mall is a symbol of prosperity, and so if you go to the mall and leave with armfuls of shopping bags filled with goodies, then you must be prosperous. I mean, you can afford all the stuff you bought, right? (I think this is an important angle, I just didn't have time to type any more. Let me know what you think.)
Maybe the next time you go to the mall, you will read between the lines and become aware of the small parts that make up the mall culture. Maybe you won’t, and you still think there is no such thing. Are you denying it because you just don’t see it, or is it because you are afraid to admit you are a part of it? I didn’t see it at all before I worked there, and now ten years later I have to admit, I am a part of it. (not finished yet)
5 comments:
You might want to make your thesis a little more clear, is it just about mall culture or a specific aspect? what prompt did you use? Maybe talk more about your role as a mall employee. I would deffinatly elaborate on your idea about teens being influenced. it is a very interesting topic! you could maybe some how integrate an article or something to support.
Review quetions
1.thesis is that there is a mall culture?
2.You cite evidence through what you have experienced personally.
3.might want to add more of your critical thinking by explaining more of what you have experinced
4.adress counter claims of there not being a mall culture?
5.personal evidence
6.counter claim of ther not being a mall culture
1. What is the writer’s thesis? Summarize in one sentence.
Mall culture plays such a part in shaping us as a society.
(As sad as it may be)
2. What evidence is cited to prove and support the writer’s thesis? What pieces of evidence are cited from the readings and/or the writer’s observations to support the thesis?
- Using company X employee conversation
- Watching kids develop into mall teens
3. Is the writer’s reasoning/critical thinking provided to explain how the evidence proves and supports the thesis?
I think your critical thinking explains your evidence. When you talk about prosperity and the signs of lots of shopping bags. That is a very interesting point. I think you should expand on that. You could also tie in socioeconomic status to this idea.
4. Does the writer address counter-claims in the essay? Does the writer effectively refute the counter with evidence and reasoning?
I didn’t see any counter-claims. Maybe a counter claim is that the mall is a product of our culture, and that the culture is affected by our mall culture. Maybe another counter claim might be that there are no other convenient places to go to get such a wide variety of clothing options. So this brings many cultures into the mall, which creates a mini society.
5. What else could the writer cite as evidence in this essay?
I would definitely expand on the prosperity issue. One thing that might help strengthen your essay is that not only are lots of bags a sign of prosperity but also including the brand name bags. (Do teen want to be seen with a sears bag or a Macy’s bag?)
6. What counter-claims still need to be addressed?
- I am struggling to help you come up with counter claims review #4 and let me know if there is anything more I might be able to expand on.
1. What is the writer’s thesis? Summarize in one sentence.
I think that could be a bit clearer, I can see what you are going to talk about, but not exactly.
2. What evidence is cited to prove and support the writer’s thesis? What pieces of evidence are cited from the readings and/or the writer’s observations to support the thesis?
You talk about observing people in the mall.
Your own experience.
3. Is the writer’s reasoning/critical thinking provided to explain how the evidence proves and supports the thesis?
Yes, you talk about how they go hugely unrecognized, which I agree with.
4. Does the writer address counter-claims in the essay? Does the writer effectively refute the counter with evidence and reasoning?
I see a little bit of a counter claim, but I think you could have a paragraph to elabortate more.
5. What else could the writer cite as evidence in this essay?
Name brand clothing, how that is so important to some young people.
6. What counter-claims still need to be addressed?
I am not really sure, sorry.
Sorry it took me so long to write this, I spaced it out, yikes!!
Sorry it took me so long, I spaced out big time!!
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