In response to the three reading assignments, I do believe that it is possible to have cities with a culture of participatory sharing in which public space is utilized to serve the public. I think this is possible mainly because people are calling for attention to the violations of their rights and trying to make a change to obtain their rights to be part of the city. The only way to “contain” and manage the disorder according to Darian’s testimony in the Cahill text is by “reorganizing the states relationship to communities of color”. Another way that public space can be utilized and serve the public is by allowing people to exercise their natural born rights and constitutional freedom like the Occupy Wall Street protests. Implementing programs and community outreach for all is significant and can greatly impact and bring together a community. The Fallen Fruit’s foundation is a great example of a community program that depicts participatory sharing in public space. The only way that this program and awareness was made possible was by people gathering and communicating about ongoing problems. If this type of behavior becomes more common we can surely have more cities hat utilize public space for its main purpose of serving the public. This type of culture would resemble more diversity and openness. This type of culture would be multiple cultures and customs integrated into one main practice of communication, inclusion, sharing and utilization of public space and the many things it has to offer. Unfortunately there would be many obstacles to civic participation and sharing. Some of these obstacles would be communicating with different types of people and adjusting to their traditions. Another obstacle to civic sharing is educating people on their natural rights and practicing it without any oppression.
Well written piece! It seems that you are arguing that collaboration in the public commons is a key to progress. And certainly education is such an important part of opening up spaces for new conversations.