A Flaneur in Bloomington

One of this week’s prompts was to walk as a flaneur in Bloomington. Benjamin presents the flaneur as someone who moves through the city observing the crowd, both part of it and slightly detached from it. With that in mind, I decided to wander around campus without a destination, making a conscious effort not to use my earbuds and to stay as present as possible to observe. Starting near Read Hall, where I lived during my freshman year, I quickly realized how different it felt to move through a place I thought I already knew so well.

As I walked, I noticed how many students were rushing out of the building and down the sidewalks, most likely late for class. Moving along the path, I passed the fountain, which was turned off due to the cooler weather, but the faint smell of chlorine still lingered in the air. Walking by the Jacobs School of Music, I could faintly hear string and brass instruments echoing from inside the buildings. Continuing past Goodbody, I was struck by how quiet everything felt despite how many students were around. Most people seemed absorbed in their own world listening to music, working on assignments, or talking with friends. Even in a crowded space, everyone felt separate, as if they were moving past one another without really connecting.

Near the Biology Building, I noticed a girl sitting alone at a table with headphones on, people-watching just like I was. In that moment, I became more aware of myself as both part of the scene and slightly removed from it, blending into the crowd while also observing it. I then walked toward the IMU and came across a large tour group blocking part of the sidewalk. As I passed them, I noticed many were holding their sweatshirts close against the cool April wind, and further along, a group of girls quickly stepped aside when they saw me approaching.

After that, I decided to end my walk and headed toward the bus stop. When I got there, I noticed several people running to catch the bus, clearly in a rush. This stood out to me because it contrasted with the slower pace I had just experienced. This walk made me realize how much I usually miss when I move through campus distracted. Slowing down allowed me to notice small details and see a familiar place in a completely different way. 

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