Perhaps, then, the reason I defend shopping malls is that they offer an alternative form of public life. It occurred to me recently that, in a patriotic sense, I am more attached to the fortunes of stores like John Lewis and M&S than I am to the fate of the BBC. I am made more anxious about the state of the country when these institutions falter than when the future of the state broadcaster is thrown, as it periodically is, into doubt. Besides, they've both been around longer. The much derided mall is a far more recent arrival, of course, but that is no reason to fear or dismiss it. While we wait for the country to get back on track, it's probably the best place to be.