Malls are public spaces that are changing with every decade. As these spaces morph from stores to restaurants, movie houses, banks, car dealerships, spas – even churches, I marvel at the lack of fun in most malls. I attribute that to the overweight horde of Segway riders in blue uniforms that seem to see the mall more as a dusty western town than a vibrant Hyde Park speakers corner. Somewhere I want to believe that there are people brave enough to trust in the basic decency of people in public spaces. That’s why I was so amused and touched to see this wonderful sign and grand piano in the Minneapolis St Paul Airport. This is sitting between two entryways into the baggage claim area. I hope someday to hear someone wonderful using it. Or to see a similarly creative and positive statement in a mall.
