There are so many different types of communities and they all have value. We have neighborhoods, towns, cities... Communities based on school, work, church... Online communities based on common interests... Business and health communities...
The strength of a community is often seen when there is a threat to the community members. Whether it is a natural disaster, political change, economic hardship, or tragedy of any kind people in the community tend to pull together to protect their own. In many cases this is a good thing. This pulling together can rebuild areas devastated by natural disasters or aid families in crises when jobs become scarce.
Unfortunately, in other cases, the strengthening of community creates an "us vs them" mentality. Anyone outside the community is suspect. These are the times when we fail to work together. We create a divide instead of attempting to bridge the gap to find a solution or idea that may not be perfect but that will allow each community to be represented without feeling threatened.
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In my opinion the latter part of community with the "us vs them" mentality turns it into a clique and it behaves as such. That's one of the dark sides of community.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting that communities band together best when there is an immediate threat or as the aftermath of a disaster. Hopefully, communities of all sizes do still take the time to celebrate momentous occasions as well. Though I don't currently live in one, I love the idea of small-town communities like the one portrayed as Stars Hollow (from Gilmore Girls).
ReplyDeleteI'd never really thought about communities creating 'us vs. them' but I live in a town with a 'friendly' rivalry with the next. I suppose that does give us that mentality. Thankfully it is still, mostly, in good-natured ribbing.
ReplyDeleteAnother great post, Angela.
ReplyDeleteYes, communities can be both safe havens and dangerous places too. It's very sad when the negative side comes to the fore.