Mapping Social Territory.

Human nature defines us as protective beings. Our daily routines and personality depict how we may find this aspect of our attitude in almost every manner where we have to deal with situations. We are protective of ourselves, our loved ones, the materials and things we consider belong to us, our space. Marked and predefined most likely by genetics in an evolutionary and survival skill, we may only disguise the level and extent to which we show this side of ourselves.

Our protection then translates into territoriality, and we enact our deepest feelings, so deep as a matter of fact, that quite often, they happen subconsciously.

I expanded on the idea of this walk, and decided to congregate several experiences, as to bring more attention to the ideas that will follow. In widely different spaces, I set out to find similar signs that mark specific aspects about territoriality, be it race, gender, age, predefined spaces, etc.

The main aspect about territoriality is that not everyone accepts its borders: people set out their limits, and define space, yet others frequently bypass this. Ultimately what defines the success of someone’s limits is the attitude they posses, and how this plays off with other’s. 

At a market, someone would assume their territory, setting a precise space for themselves, and separating it from the other stands, yet no one took offense in others “infringing”. No, as a matter of fact, seldom would anyone even consciously consider this trespassing. It seems that perhaps culture has taught us to have a certain room for ourselves, and protect it, yet, culture has also taught us not to interfere with someone else’s space, hence there is a certain compensation and a lack of offense.

People roam around the area, their territory marked even at the simplest and most natural level: personal space; what we commonly refer to as “our bubble”. Here is where things change, as finally, discomfort is displayed when others encroach this very personal space. It becomes a matter of deep personality and levels of wellbeing.

One might think themselves respectful and thoughtful of another’s personal space, yet truly it’s something that primarily only communication can clarify. Certain people abstain themselves from speaking out and verbalizing their limits.

Others come to represent and describe cultures as being distant because of this gap in understanding. While to certain communities a given position may seem isolated, secluded, and cut-off, there are those who think the opposite and find offense in the closeness people take for granted, and translate as invasion.

To conclude, social territory, or even territoriality in general is a changing aspect. It is a matter that changes with age, culture, region, and personal preferences. And the extent of its variation is greater than what is habitually assumed. Hence, as a general rule we must learn to live, and let live; to be attentive of other people’s changing attitude.