Spaces

4.1.2020

Disclaimer: I picked out a word from the dictionary at random, and then followed my train of thought with my pen.

What I find interesting about the word ‘spaces’ is that depending on context, the same word has many antithetical meanings.

While on one hand, if paired with the adjective ‘enclosed’, it could mean a claustrophobic environment, a cramped, small, sweaty place that typically would have a negative connotation attached; on the other hand, the same word ‘spaces’ if preceded by the word ‘open’, could mean a field, a playground or even a large room – meanings that are generally associated with positive memories.

The word ‘spaces’ could also mean gaps. Gaps in the form of inadequacies, or shortcomings; or gaps meaning room for improvement, as Gwendolen Fairfax says in ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’: being perfect “would leave no room for development. And I intend to develop in many directions.”

Now, if I were to remove the ‘s’ at the end of the word, it would become ‘space’; and this throws up a whole range of associations, the most common one being outer space.

One thought I spent a lot of time pondering over was where we are. On Earth, yes. In the Universe, yes. But, where is the Universe located? In outer space? What is beyond that? One of my favourite answers was (because I obviously loved scaring myself) that our universe was probably a showpiece in the living room of an alien household, or worse, an experiment in an alien’s laboratory.

I see the word ‘space’ as niches, where each person can make their place. I also see the word as room –room for growth, personal and otherwise; room to question; and room for dissent. If I could construct a metaphor here, the idea of ‘space’ would be a room larger than the eye could see, and all its various meanings and interpretations would be the niches, with new ones springing up every day.

Especially in light of the current happenings in our world, the idea of space as the room for dissent is very relevant and should be talked about. In this age where social media is used widely to express opinions on political happenings, where censorship is as much a threat as before, it is very important that young people should know dissent and the power it holds.

Similarly, the idea of ‘space’ as a space where one can question is just as crucial.

To me, ‘space’ also means expression, to give someone the space to express themselves and their individuality. The various social media platforms, of course, enable and encourage expression in all their users, but the physical world still has a long way to go in terms of respecting each person’s uniqueness in terms of gender, sexuality, and ways of life.

I find it fascinating how space can be both open and closed, as well as tangible and intangible, and claustrophobic and free at the same time. It seems to me to reflect life, and its own contradictions.