The definition of theme involves three components: doubled self-presenetation, a reference to a unified meaning elsewhere, and a contrast with the ordinary everyday. I consider various cases, and some extreme situations that put pressure on these components and argue for these conclusions:

1. It is not possible to theme all places at once.

2. A whole city or nation could not be mono-themed.

3. A whole city or nation could be multi-themed, but the themes would not be stable.

4. A city become deeply multi-cultural would not automatically theme all its places, and special themed places would still be possible.

5. Theming does not demand a single cultural hegemony to provide background contrast.

Index
what is a theme?
Themed places outline

(c) David Kolb, 1 August 2001