Crowding Or Something Else
Crowding has been spoken of as "spatial invasion." All of us have experienced it, ranging from the lack of breathing room to the physical discomfort of close contact. Each of us tries to regulate his or her closeness to other people, and in mar.y cases we can. When we have little or no control over the space surrounding us, we feel closed in and often react in ways to protect what we regard as our territory. Hence, the concept of territoriality-an area of space over which humans, and some animals, establish a sense of possession.
On a public conveyance we choose to sit with a friend, but we may take an empty seat if only strangers are present. Territoriality involves space, to be sure, but it also includes what we like to have within that space; friends are a part of our territory, but strangers are not. Events are related to territoriality. At parties, dances, and spectator sports we may not feel territory has been invaded even though spatially we come in close contact with others. How we express feelings or keep them to ourselves is determined by the occasion. In a crowded stadium at an athletic event we shout and show degrees of aggressiveness that would be frowned on in other settings. We behave in an opposite manner at a musical concert; we enjoy the private inner feelings which are enhanced by a closely packed audience. In both of these situations we have a measure of control over the occasion. At least we know what to expect in the stadium and in the concert hall. Crowding becomes unpleasant when it is beyond our control.
Most of us have limited choices as to where we live and work.
Even with money and social status we may not have all the spatial freedom we would like. In most high-density areas it is difficult to
create' a life-style that balances the positive aspects of urban work with free-space living. We may live in the city and have a second home in the country, but getting from one to the other often means using crowded highways. If we spend too much time seeking our "tonic of wildness," we may miss some of the positive aspects of urban life. The search for a balanced life-style often means becoming realistic about compromise:The relation between man and his environment turns on psychological as well as physical things. As we seek out a physical environment to achieve our goals, we must ofterr seek sub goals first in order to achieve primary ones. To achieve solitude, we must find the right time as well as the right place.
Territoriality for the human involves "mineness"-my property, my space, my time, my choice. Only up to a point can we protect our given territory, In this respect we humans may perceive our own situation better by observing our animal friends.
