Desmond Morris and Visual Sings

Desmond Morris describes three territorial levels: tribal, family, and personal. Each level is associated with different symbols that give us an idea of security. First, on the tribal level that consists in nations, clubs, unions, gangs, and associations. The sings are territorial boundaries-lines such as forts, posts, and great walls. Also, can be emblems such as flags, military uniforms, anthems. Morris also points that each of modern pseudo tribes sets its home base where it exists a powerful feeling of security and importance. Second, the main symbol in the family territory is the bedroom. It is our most territorially secure. A garden fence or a wall is a mark of boundary lines. Design, colors, wall paper create the characteristics that identify specific family home. Third, personal space is the space surrounding a person. The author states if our personal space is trespassed, we feel threatened. We use personal markers to maintain a distance that feels comfortable to us. Morris illustrates his essay with excellent examples.