The Invasion Of The Commons

Ever since the gentry and aristocrats began the process of enclosure, the common resources of the people have been steadily whittled away. We now pay for many things which once were free, and our public spaces are being increasingly invaded by advertising. Public services are now seen as opportunities for profit, rather than the socially vital provision they were set up to deliver.

The latest manifestation of this is the arrival of giant television screens in public squares in the larger cities around Britain. Monstrously intrusive, and frighteningly energy intensive, these leviathans appeared almost overnight. They stream news clips and sports coverage as they undergo "testing", and presumably will include advertising in the future. Their actual purpose seems unclear.

These squares and plazas are valuable public spaces. Often they are oases of peace and quiet in bustling city centres, public performance areas or gathering points. Yet now, they are being invaded by corporate interests. Who gave permission for these screens? The people certainly weren't asked! Should it not be us who decides how we use these places? Or are we only important when someone is making a profit from us?

In a world seemingly saturated by advertising and information, do we really need yet another portal? Or do we need more places of tranquility to gave ourselves opportunities for rest and quiet contemplation, however fleeting? Or places to hear each others voices, rather than those of the advertisers?