Messages in Landscape

The official message of these images is to establish some kind of rule. Whether in regard to trash left in walkways, smokers near buildings, or time limits of parking spaces, these rules are in place and expected to be followed. The unofficial message which seems to be understood, however, is quite different. This message, the one actually received in much fuller force by the public, is that these laws often don’t matter. They are simply in place so that if authorities ever decide to take action, they have some kind of basis for doing so. The images I chose to capture weren’t hard to find and consist mostly of things that I have noticed throughout any typical day on campus. Next to each image (or pair of images) I’ve included some brief background information below.

Background - This is a picture I took on my way out the door. I didn't have to wait around or look far as this is quite a common occurence around the student apartments where I live.

Background - These images were taken at just outside of Sub 1. The first image states "NO SMOKING WITHIN 20 FEET OF BUILDING" but is difficult to read due to the post placed on the inside behind it. The second picture is of a girl who is smoking directly in front of the sign.

Background - Fitting in with the previous two images, this picture is related to the official message of "no smoking withing twenty feet of a building." Although not as close now, these individuals were originally smoking while leaning against the door before I pulled out my phone. The picture is taken from inside the JC behind the closed door.

Background - At first, these two images seem to contradict the unofficial message theme in portraying a car with a ticket for violating the sign which it was parked in front of. An official message appears stated and a penalty appears enforced for breaking that rule. However, I liken this situation to the only two instances during which I have had personal experience with such a matter. In the first instance, a friend of mine received a ticket when they had been parked in a such a place and was following the rules but received a ticket anyway and the second was an occasion where a ticket was found on my roomates car but that ticket was actually intended for a different car altogether. In both instances the penalty was dropped entirely. In this kind of context, it goes to follow that no real issue is raised nor penalty enforced by not following the "official message" which the text attempts to convey.