Every nation has boundaries; a boundary that marks the edge of its territory, and several boundaries within the nation. All boundaries are created for the purpose of including and excluding. A boundary specifies who legitimately belongs to the national community; therefore advancing reason for separation and exclusion. Edensor's idea of an imagined community is strong in the concept of boundaries because there are no actual lines, walls, or separation that borders a nation, the lines are imaginary. Boundaries are created, yet having boundaries enhances a nation by making the citizens feel included, united, and powerful.
Indiana State University has its own imagined community and borders which stretch along campus. By having these boundaries, students and staff are condensed into one area, allowing a community to form. Within the university, boundaries are constant as well. Clubs, organizations, buildings, race, gender, culture, and authority all provide boundaries.
A break down of the visible boundaries that exist now:
A break down of the visible boundaries that exist now:
The edge of these 200 acres marks the boundaries of Indiana State University. On edges of campus, signs let people know that the area beyond is a part of the Indiana State community, a boundary that allows people to enter and leave, but remains as the tool for inclusion.
Within the university, several buildings and groups allow for more separation. Rhoads Hall, for example, is a residence hall that promotes unity. The friendly workers and slogans, such as this one, insinuate a "family," or a Rhoads community.
I ventured on a plane ride with one of my aviation friends to get a better look at some of the "actual" boundaries around Terre Haute. Although they are not real, a sky view of a city displays hundreds of square shapes formed by land and roads, buildings, sidewalks, and houses that give the appearance of boundaries, property, and separation.
All boundaries are not visible, though. Boundaries within the university, such as clubs and organizations, do not have lines or property cut offs. Clubs serve as a way to distinguish certain people from others, thus including the people that meet requirements for the organization and excluding those who don't. To see more regarding this topic, visit the "citizens" page.
I ventured on a plane ride with one of my aviation friends to get a better look at some of the "actual" boundaries around Terre Haute. Although they are not real, a sky view of a city displays hundreds of square shapes formed by land and roads, buildings, sidewalks, and houses that give the appearance of boundaries, property, and separation.All boundaries are not visible, though. Boundaries within the university, such as clubs and organizations, do not have lines or property cut offs. Clubs serve as a way to distinguish certain people from others, thus including the people that meet requirements for the organization and excluding those who don't. To see more regarding this topic, visit the "citizens" page.
