It took me quite awhile to decide on a location to write about for this first essay on analyzing a public space. I brain-stormed a lot both in and out of class and was finally able to come up with the perfect place!
After much deliberation, I decided to write about Nordstrom. Nordstrom is a nation-wide shopping center full of nice clothing, accessories, make-up, and shoes. I feel that this space is appealing to write about because I have shopped at Nordstrom for many years and as I have grown up, I feel that my experiences there have changed. When I was younger I just remember being excited to get a balloon with the word, “NORDSTROM” written on it after I picked out a new pair of tennis shoes. However, now that I am older, I sometimes find myself feeling temped to leave when just entering the building. I have noticed that walking into Nordstroms with sweat pants on and your hair in a messy bun will often be greeted by a confused look. A look from the cashiers and the clerks wondering why someone like you would be shopping at such a high-end store. As pathetic as that sounds, I have often found that to be true. However, though this assignment, I’m excited to see if I can find any positive yet unexpected changes while I am just sitting there taking notes.
I am expecting to find a clean and tidy store filled with nicely dressed sales-people and the majority of the shoppers looking exactly the same. From what I remember, I am expecting to find neatly folded clothes and perfectly lined-up shoes on shinny glass tables.
I feel like these pre-conceived ideas I have about Nordstrom may some-what influence my observations because I may unconsciously focus on what I’m already aware of. However, I will try extra hard to over-look my pre-conceived notions while I spend time at the store.
SUCH a great idea. I'm unfortunately, completely in love with Nordstrom. But I agree so much with you that if your makeup isn't done, and your hair isn't fixed, you don't get the same attention as you do if you're dressed to impress, with your coach bag at hand, and liploss freshly applied. I'm really looking forward to reading your drafts on this. Really smart idea. It will probably be tough to throw out pre-conceived notions of this place, because they are so distinct, but I'm sure you can do it! :)
ReplyDeleteThis will be a good place to observe how different people act. I like how you said its almost out of place to come under dressed to the store, I wonder how much of a difference the workers act if you look like you have money compared to the opposite. It should make for an interesting paper.
ReplyDeleteI think this will be a great place to observe. I think it will be interesting to see if any of your pre-concieved ideas about Nordstrom will change as you observe it from an objective point rather than from a shoppers point. It wil be difficult to overcome these pre-concieved notions but that will make for a great paper!!
ReplyDeleteA mall is really a good space to write about. There are plenty of people to observe and great number of arguments to analyse since there might be symbols in the mall and they are really reprensentive.
ReplyDeleteIf you were going to pick any good stores around Fort Worth without going all the way to Dallas then Nordstroms would be it! It's one of my favorite department stores. Unfortunately I agree that if you look like crap when your shopping your less likely to get help from sales people. The thing is that I feel like Nordstroms is the best about it as in the employees are nothing like that in comparisons to Neimans and Saks. They are the worst when you look like crap when your shopping. It's funny because I'm from Denver and I find the sales people to be helpful and friendly no matter how I'm dressed. I also shop all around the U.S. and I feel as though Dallas is the worst when it comes to how sales people treat you. I think that its such a good idea to test this out in Nordstroms! it will be so so so funny! That is such a good argument to make and i'm jealous I didn't think of that myself! haha
ReplyDeleteI think Nordstroms will be a great place to write about. Obviously, many people visit it and there will be lots of things to write about. And I’m sure you’ll see a lot of things that you didn’t expect. Good luck for the essay!
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