A Sense of Our Own
SUBMITTED BY KES DATE 01 - 30 - 2010

The idea of a "world culture", I believe, is becoming more unattainable everyday. Individualism has replaced the idea of unity within everyone's minds and has directed many of our actions from this. We have tried to globalize design, culture, and society with many new advancements, but when it comes down to it, why would we want to be like everyone else? During our trip to Greece we studied many ancient pieces of architecture that have attracted millions and millions of tourists from around the world. The Acropolis, prestigiously standing over Athens, has become one of these worldly prizes. Here, the Parthenon is a crucial piece that was designed to stand as a symbol of power. (Top image- a sketch of the Parthenon). It was built for the goddess Athena, the protector of Athens. Its location and function creates a sense of individualism for this structure and has allowed it to become one of the world's most prominent pieces of architecture. Its precise measurements and brilliant, white marble design makes it very unique and dominant in architectural history. This sense of individualism is present in more than just the design point of view. All aspects of culture show ideas similar to this. Individualism has been imprinted in our brains as a necessity. While in Venice, we walked through the streets and admired all of the window shops. (Bottom image-masks in one of the shops that we found). Locally-owned businesses are about all that you will find in Europe, I have noticed. Besides McDonalds and a few other chains, all shops are unique and I have never heard of any of them. Sometimes you will actually see that the worker in the store is also the producer. It is neat to actually watch them create their work while they are in the store and then display it in the window. Eventually we came across a small, journal store along one of the back streets. It was very quaint in size and had only one woman working inside. The displays in the window were very low priced, so we decided to stop inside. The walls were full of a variety of journals, stamps and ink, customized stationary, etc. This is how this woman was making a living. She was selling these unique and interesting sets that were customized to make it feel like a more intimate purchase. Many members of the group bought these items planning to use them as souvenir gifts for friends and family members back home. It allowed us to create a unique gift for our loved ones instead of buying a very original key chain or post card. Again, this sense of individualism is present. I know that if I were to receive this gift, I would be much more pleased than if I were to receive a common "touristy" item. Everybody wants to be an individual and there is evidence of this in all aspects of culture. We have developed a dyer need to break from society and become our own, thus reinforcing my theory that many are trying to escape the idea of a "world culture".