Discussion - Week Four - The Arcades Project - Convolute A, p. 31 - 61

[Jim]

This discussion covers Convolute A, Arcades, Magasins de Nouveautés, Sales Clerks, p. 31 – 61


And so we enter the manuscript proper…

In this first “convolute”, Benjamin has collected various quotes and descriptions of arcades going back to the late 18th century. Names, descriptions, rants and raves, and a bit of commentary about the benefits of indoor shopping. Much mention of the climate control inside the covered arcades and the safer conditions for pedestrians compared to the danger from carriages on the outside Parisian streets.

As we go through the convolutes each week, try and imagine how Benjamin might have used the citations and notes to create his narrative. In this first convolute, there is the occasional note from Benjamin seeking to connect some of the materials to a Marxist perspective. Given the form of this book, we can create whatever narrative we wish, but let’s see if what emerges for us individually is similar overall. In other words, is Benjamin’s intent relatively obvious or completely open to individual interpretation?

I mentioned in the announcement message to the group that I hoped we might consider internet commerce, especially as related to the dominant position held by Amazon Marketplace. As we read the convolutes each week, ask yourself if any of the ideas, observations, and analysis of the arcades relate in any way to e-commerce, not only as it exists today, but how it developed over the past few decades, how it was promoted and prophesied and of course, how it appears to have manifested in practice. Also look for any comments about how the arcades influenced/impacted existing trade and social practices and see if there are any parallels with current e-commerce in our times.

[Larry]

My misspent youth as a NJ mallrat has been elevated to that of a Flaneur. Thanks Walt!

[Jim]

Larry wrote: "My misspent youth as a NJ mallrat has been elevated to that of a Flaneur. Thanks Walt!"

This might be a good time to consider modern versions of the arcades. My first visit to a shopping mall was to Willowbrook Mall in Wayne, NJ at the end of the 60's. A Disney-like experience with an ambiance completely different from Main Street and strip mall shopping centers. "Going to the mall" was more like an adventure than a utilitarian activity.

Although different in many ways, shopping malls and the arcades have a similar interior feel - many vendors, climate control, walking along without interference from carriages/cars. Biggest difference is that the malls are built in isolation from cities, separated from their respective towns by acres of parking spaces. The Arcades, on the other hand are integrated into the center of Paris, enclosing street-like spaces that extend a block or more.

And then, how is e-commerce similar/different? Obviously, brick and mortar disappears. The shopper logs on, sometimes in pajamas and slippers, and peruses a literal global marketplace picking through images and descriptions of goods and services, never having to deal with travel, walking, human contact, or the elements. And yet, the primary purpose of consumption is still accomplished.

[Larry]

Jim wrote: "This might be a good time to consider modern versions of the arcades. My first visit to a shop..."

I lived within walking distance of a mall (the now dead Seaview Square in Asbury Park, NJ.) There I went to loiter, smoke cigarettes, steal money from the fountains to use at the ARCADES, later worked at a record store.
The early descriptions of the Flaneurs are folks who hang out in the Arcades but don't shop. They just use the artificial construct for the shelter it provides and a means to check out what's happening.
The whole idea of the elevated galleries and the arcades really appeal to me when I picture 19th century Paris, but just as shopping malls repel me now (yet I get my capitalist kicks on the web) I like seeing the Arcades through Benjamin's political viewpoint.