I did work at a mall in college - I think retail/customer service is just one of the most hideous jobs in the world. So I always try to be extra nice when I go into a store. But malls are part of our culture if you watched any teen comedy in the '80s. it's clear that malls are where we live!
Strip malls are history.
What we now call school training the pursuit of fixed studies at stated hours under the constant guidance of a teacher I could scarcely be said to have enjoyed.