Spatial transgressions

[Spatial: the space between people and/or objects]

The definition of a transgression is much wider than breaking a law or breaching a rule or regulation. It can include everyday acts that go against the basic fabric and well-being of our communities and our culture. It can include being reckless, causing offence, and all-round general anti-social behaviour.

It may not be illegal to do a three-point turn in your car near a school during pick-up or drop-off times, but it’s still dangerous and inconsiderate to others. Shouting at your dog in a park won’t get you in trouble with the police, but it won’t be a pleasant experience for the passers-by who, collectively, have to put up with your hollering. Being so intoxicated that you rely on others to keep you right doesn’t infringe any laws, but it does impact on those who have to look out for your safety.

With too many spatial transgressions, a community will lose its glue, its cohesive powers, its unity. Once this happens, we’ll end up living in the wild west (if we aren’t already). So what can we do?

We might not be able to change the mindset of people directly, but we can do it indirectly through our own behaviour. Below is a spatial transgression checklist that someone has created to keep themselves on the right path with their own morality…

Am I talking too loudly?
Is my music on too loud?
Am I blocking someone’s path?
Am I making a nuisance of myself?
Are my actions making anyone feel uncomfortable/intimidated?
In getting my needs met am I impacting negatively on anyone else’s well-being?
Am I becoming out of control?
Do I need to step away from my current location in order to improve the situation?
Am I doing right by the culture norms that exist in my current location?

What might you put in your own checklist?