CFP: Public Space and Politics in American Cultures (11/1/04; ASA, 11/3/05-11/6/05)

 CFP:Public Space and Politics (Divestment) (11/01/04); ASA, 11/3/05-11/06/05)

I'm trying to put together a panel for ASA '05 that deals with "Space and Place inAmerican Cultures.
My own topic concerns the "movement culture" of the 1980s divestment
movement on American college campuses. One of the central features of movement culture in the divestment movement was the shanties, which evoked a variety of different attitudes, some quite fervent, and all cognizant on the shanties' positioning in public spaces.
Proponents expressed solidarity with the plight of black South Africans
under apartheid (some possibility for transnational analysis here),
opponents on the other hand, called them "eyesores," which suggests the
cultural constructedness of "vision" as it were. They certainly were in
the public space, and they certainly were "contested terrain." I'm seeking proposals that somehow connect to this one in terms of politicizing the public space. Also, if you can think of a logical Chair for such a panel, please let me know.

-- 
Brad Martin
Assistant Professor 
History and Social Sciences Department
Bryant University
1150 Douglas Pike
Smithfield, RI 02917
(401) 232-6962
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