"Taming Space: Drug Use, HIV, and Homemaking in Downtown East side Vancouver." - Leslie Robertson.

By far my favorite discussion and presentation of the semester. I enjoyed watching the pieces of documentary on such a topic... and I really enjoyed how it was all shot in Canada. It reminded me that Canadians experience these types of things too. Coming from the Atlantic region, I often times feel somewhat secluded and sheltered. We do not see such things occurring as frequently, and often times we are taught to disregard it all and pay no attention. After class I went home and finished watching the rest of the 6 part piece on youtube.

This presentation taught me how some people claim their space and make it their own... these spaces were nothing to others or even trash. For example the lady who rummaged through garbage and found clothes and tents and what she considered to be "treasures". These things were peoples trash, but to her... they made home, and they helped her claim her space.

Also they talk about the east side being somewhat a forbidden place for those not addicted to drugs and prostitution. Many view the downtown east side as an "addicts space". It was filled with junkies, and dirt. Yet for many it is their home, and their space. While many of us use shopping carts in stores, and to help us with groceries... these people use them for shelter and protection.

It is like a community down there. They look out for one another, and worry when someone is gone missing- just like any other community around the world. So to them, that is their space.. and they have claimed it.