The Intimidator

The Cerritos Mall is located on the border between the city of Cerritos and the city of Artesia in California. This is a rather low income area and surrounded by poorly paved streets and grim looking houses. Much to my surprise, the mall wasn't very popular among the people that I recently talked to. I wondered what it was about this mall that prevented it from drawing unanimous support. The Cerritos Mall, although it can be a place of excitement and luxury for some, is often a very hostile place for most citizens who are average and below in terms of economic status. Neither is it a very recommendable site for those who like to take some time and relax. As one drives up to the Cerritos Mall, one has to wonder how this gigantic structure fits into a city which hardly has any tall buildings. Slums in the city of Artesia, where poverty and crime are commonplace, lie just two miles away from this mall. Yet Two miles in the opposite direction leads to brand new houses in Cerritos that are waiting to be sold.

Although some residents are scrambling for living space, this mall occupies about one square mile just in terms of parking space. As one approaches the mall, he/she comes to the realization that the windows aren't made of just ordinary glass, but that they are made of stained glass which is decorated with paintings. The stained glass windows shoot high up into the sky, almost reaching the top of the building. Flashy advertisements decorate the entrance. At night, these automated ads light up, making themselves even more visible. The doors are quite a spectacle as well. Three shiny copper-coated doors greet the customers at each entrance. This display of wealth makes one feel as if he/she was at the Academy Awards.

This extraordinary mall should make one feel as if he/she was at an amusement park. A paid playground that children can use while parents shop, company representatives introducing their brand new motor design right in the middle of the mall, and a grand collection of fast-food restaurants make this mall look quite self-sufficient. The numerous neon signs and banners of famous brands that align the interior of this mall practically blind everyone. As the average income earner walks by, he/she has to wonder who would buy such items, and who can afford to bring two children to spend the day at this place.

The bench in front of the United Artists Cinema is a very good location to just look