Woodland Mall: "Exceptional Shopping!"

    

    

What characteristics make up a sanctuary? Within the context of an animal sanctuary, the first characteristic is that it is a place set aside, a place that is separated from natural habitats but offers protection and security to its inhabitants. A religious sanctuary, however, requires many more props. According to Jon Pahl, religious sanctuaries have intentional and distinct decor and follow a strategic but predictable layout. So, outside of zoos and cathedrals, where else are sanctuaries found? According to Pahl, we must look no further than the closest indoor shopping mall.

     The Woodland Mall in Grand Rapids operates out of a central point at its center, branching off into hallways of stores. The clean white walls, floors and vaulted ceilings throughout imply a purity, a safe haven from the chaos of the city as well as the clutter of the small and full stores. Within this haven the lighting is ethereal to promote a sense of calmness. There are potted plastic plants strategically placed throughout, another marker of a sacred space. Tall pillars in the heart of this space seem to be attempting to be reaching for the heavens above.

            So what is this scene set for? When we repeatedly practice the act of shopping and buying, again and again, we become (perhaps without knowing it) a part of a larger ritual. This ritual plays out much like a pilgrimage. When I imagine the mall at Christmas time (or anytime, really, as I experienced this weekend) the image is about as close as I have ever experienced to the Hajj. People coming together, for better or worse, are being funneled through a maze by cues of light, sound, visuals and scents. Making this pilgrimage is what validates humans to be the full embodiment of all they were created to be: consumers (according to the film The Persuaders.)
           How many times must a person complete this pilgrimage in order to fulfill the call of consumerism? Is buying what makes us human or is this capital-driven, pseudo-sanctuary sub-culture dehumanizing the individuals involved?