Haulttunen and Cresswell share very similar concerns with regards to 'place.' Places are reflections of histories and culture of people. Places have depth and they tell a story for all of those that inhabit them. However, our places are being threatened by those who have the power to change places and as a result are being eroded and replaced by superficial things that have no meaning. According to Cresswell Chinatown was not simply a natural reflection of Chinese culture but the result of negotiation with those in power to define place" (Cresswell p.29). If this is the case then one must wonder are their any true places left? If I have the power I can make any place in any image I see fit. However, when you think about it this has always been apart of our history. European colonialism in Africa is a good example of a place being replaced/ eroded by a way of life that is non reflective of their own. Africans were pushed out of their native lands and forced to adapt to the Europeans way of life because the Europeans were the ones who had the power. If you have the power to stand your ground then you can keep your ground.
I like how you say places tell a story of the people that inhabit them. I thought that was a great way of defining place. Your evaluation of Chinatown and wondering is there are any true places left is a good question. It is a really good question considering how much power the media and government has.
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