I've never considered brushing my teeth as too private of an action. I mean, everybody does it (hopefully) so for this assignment I decided why not do it in public? So, today I decided to go around to the various water fountains around campus and brush my teeth. My goal was to go places where the most people came through, which explains the success I had in Campbell Hall. The overall response to my concern for healthy teeth was many inquisitive, and confused stares. A lot of people laughed as they passed me by and even more people did double-takes. Most people seemed to feel uncomfortable which is probably why they chose to laugh. No one actually said anything to me though, not even the girl standing behind me waiting to use the water fountain in Campbell Hall. This reaction exemplifies most of the scared or careless attitudes people portray even if something is bothering them.
Campbell Hall:
-Best reaction of the day
-I felt bad taking so long here
Girvetz Hall:
-There were people in class right across from me laughing
Music Building:
UCEN:
In terms of the space which I chose to brush my teeth in , I thought this exercise was successful in turning a normal, hygienic activity into something funny and almost gross. Cleaning your teeth is generally considered a more "civilized" activity if you will, so performing it out in public in spaces that may not be as clean as your own bathroom has turned it into a more complicated activity which almost seems like it would have the opposite results of its initial intentions. This exercise reveals the importance of space in regards to forming some kind of meaning within an action. Even if you do not change the action itself, the space in which it takes place alters the meaning for you and everyone else observing. The end result was that I had very clean teeth, and a new understanding of public and private spaces.
End Result:
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