Mall as Religion

I visited the mall during one of the busiest times of the day, lunch. The mall draws in so many people for a consumer frenzy that a food court is in order just so those shopping can refuel their bodies and continue their exciting shopping endeavors. Each sign at the food court was more vibrant than the last. Their neon pigment is lit in hopes to lure hungry consumers to their food stand rather than another one. Just a simple glance around the room and anyone can conclude that this is not a place to share camaraderie with friends and family. The food being consumed

here is happening because it can be done in a fast manner, it is filling, and unhealthily delicious. Many folks in the wide and open food court didn't look too interested in who they were eating with, but rather what they were eating.
The long, white, curved ceiling was lit in a manner that made it appear holy. The lighting was faded, the edges had sharp angles, and the white appeared so pure and clean . Now, does a mall

have to be 20 feet from floor to ceiling? No, but it does create a more mesmerizing ambiance for the shopper, which is exactly what was intended. Mall architects construct them in a way that encourages the shopper to stay. Good lighting, interesting sculptures or fixtures, bright signs. They all are attempts to grab the shoppers eye and perk their interest. Bright lights are seen and spoken of in religious environments often. Jesus is described as the light of the world, in movies God is portrayed as wearing bright white linen, heaven seems to be in the sky where light beams are bursting from its parameters. Bright, pure

light is attractive to the eye and almost seems to lift one's spirits. There also are many plants and trees in the mall. They almost give the shopper a subconscious sense that they are in their natural environment. A healthy, natural, earthy environment. When the mall is realistically quite the contrary. The food court alone produces a huge amount of waist from their wrappers, plastic-ware, cups, and even the process which they go through to make the food. Not to mention the amount of trees that were torn down, earth that was converted to cement, and air that is polluted by the parking lot.
With all this said I conclude that the mall does a good job at what it intends to do, that is get shoppers to buy, buy, buy. I do not believe the mall is a place where one can attain long lasting meaningful satisfaction. The only satisfaction obtained is the brief high after buying something new, or the fulfillment after eating a triple cheeseburger with a large chocolate shake on the side-both feelings that have no long term residency, and even have the possibility of producing negative unfulfilled emotions.