Adam Creason - Homelessness

    Dr. Redick’s essay, “Homelessness Countering the Destruction of Home: a Return to Sensuous Communication”, addresses the destruction of home. Redick argues that when the constituents of home become objects of utility, home becomes a factory instead of a dwelling place. He argues that to counter this destruction of the home, one must embark on voluntary homeless journeys. This is based upon the central premise that when one is homeless, one ceases to be master.

    One way to address this destruction of the home is by entering into a journey of homelessness. Suddenly, they go from master to stranger. This type of travel, in which one is truly homeless, starkly contrasts to tourists. Tourists participate in institutionalized hospitality. There is an exchange in such situations, which is not hospitality. True hospitality is when one provides a place to reside for someone without asking for any reciprocity. Those who seek such an opportunity, a homeless traveler, has nothing to give and retains no status. Hiker-pilgrims is the name given to such volunteers. Hiker-pilgrims, because of their orientation, are existentially in a different place than their tourist counterparts. However, aesthetic hikers see nature as to serve their aesthetic experience. Their aesthetic experience is paramount to their purpose in their journey. The aesthetic hiker thereby sees the landscape as a means to serve their enjoyment and places them as master of the seam. The homeless hiker rather seeks this sensuous communication, rather than being fulfilled through aesthetic pleasure. The exploration of homelessness also carefully considers technology. When the tools do not open you up to the sensuous communication, they begin to dampen you. They must be restorative to the sensuous communication with the home.

    The concepts discussed in this essay have truly made me think of how I dwell and how I travel. Unfortunately, I do not have a garden at home, but rather a nice yard with pretty plants and such. My home itself is normal and serves me in that I do have a place to live. But, as I have realized, it is not quite similar to dwelling. In our material world, it is hard not to see each object of the home as a item for my use. This has caused me to not have the relationship with my home that I would like to have, after learning about dwelling in this class and in this essay. I have also frequented the Appalachian Trail many times as I live near it in Northern Virginia. However, I have not hiked it as a hiker-pilgrim. I have realized that my aesthetic pleasure has taken the helm. Although, my purpose for visiting the trail was to appreciate nature through the amazing views. This has proved beneficial to my relationship with and respect for nature. However, after reading this essay and taking this class, I have realized it is time for something more. When I travel in the future, I will break free of any tourist traveling. I will immerse myself into the culture and environment of the place. If homelessness is possible, I will surely jump at that opportunity.

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