General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: why do we ignore our lonliness? [View all]pink-o
(4,056 posts)Last edited Sat Apr 6, 2013, 09:44 PM - Edit history (1)
But I also see that a bunch of people living alone in little rabbit warrens is not natural for our species. The corporate power base loves it though: if we exist in small villages and take care of each other, not only do we form bonds that defend us against the oligarchy, but we also buy less shit. Think about it: My mom and dad used to borrow their neighbor's tools and electronics, vacuum cleaners, et al. Maybe one neighbor had a big TV, and the other families would go over for sporting events, bringing food and drinks to equalize the value. But now, everyone has to own their own of everything--consequently maximizing the profits for the companies that manufacture the products.
But OTOH, there is an understanding of diversity in the cities you just don't see anywhere else. We might not be best friends with the folks around us, but we don't freak out when someone speaks another language or dresses differently or is darker or lighter than we are. In the 'burbs and the country, you're either in your car, your office, your school, your local box store, and you're surrounded by people like yourself. If you don't take public transport, and there's nothing on your street other than tract homes, it's harder to acclimate to diversity. I see cities as the next step in our evolution--and we need to make an effort to find a bridge, turning those "strangers" into friends.