Diana´s Reflection

What do you think of yourself acting in public space?

I've always felt a little fear of it, due to the insecurity prevailing in the country, but thanks to the experience of exercise performed at the International Workshop for the first time I could enjoy what I have for "public space" a space which is in bad shape, that does not meet user needs, but had not noticed because unfortunately I get around by car, which increases my indifference to the "public space". I think I do very little use of it could be because of the aforementioned things, but I think that public space is a privilege and a necessity that I have, because through it I can enjoy an outdoor activity, I can move as I want without having to find parking to park, I can really do whatever I want without anyone telling me "do not", public space is the word by which I can be part of the city, a city that is no stranger to me and my problems, where through all Salvadorans are equal no more than anyone. I feel that I understand the space and the development of my city, to know in depth, through the public space, but not through the streets but from the heart of it, walking each of its sidewalks, streets, plazas, parks, rides .

What do you think of El Salvadorian attitude in public space is?

I feel that the attitude of Salvadorians to the public space is of disgust, indifference, disrespect, afraid, inadequate, due to the different social problems the country is experiencing. It is common to see the image of a person throwing trash on the street from either the bus or from the vehicle which transports or the person who is traveling on the sidewalk, or expressions like "it's not mine to take care of" pity hear people say that because public space really belongs to each of the Salvadorans. It would be easy to blame the same space of the indifference of Salvadorians to the same, and that public space does not meet their basic needs, but as we can say that if the way they use it is not correct, there is no correct way to use but if there is a way to use it consciously. As Gandhi said: "Be the change you want to see in the world," we must be the change that our public space to flourish and be revitalized, through better use, care for it as if we invest in, like a child ours. As I mentioned before through the public space is how we communicate with the city, if we want a better city, we begin to know it, live it and respect it.

Diana Turcios