First off, I just want to say that I actually enjoyed reading this book. It’s a breath of fresh air compared to the other readings that we've had in the past few weeks. Hickey’s beliefs and theories center around our constructed thoughts of our surroundings and how this impacts our culture and the way we behave toward one another. In his discussion of Las Vegas, he mentions that the city stands out because it is up front with its activities and interesting characters whereas in the rest of the country these things hide only in the shadows and have to be denied. I know that Las Vegas carries a certain amount of stigma for many people, but Hickey points out that tourists and travelers from all over the world can feel at home there because they know exactly what to expect without any hidden doors or traps.  Everything is right out there, so you have no choice but to be yourself.

wolff