We all know that the old idea of a neighbourhood, a community, has been shot to shit with the creation of the internet, with the growth of the individual, with the self-obsessed way society now likes to live. Old people stay in their houses, young professionals ignore their neighbours, and kids are good for nothing more than violence and ASBOs. At least, this is the picture the media seems to have painted over the past few years.
The thing is, however, that this doesn’t have to be the case. And, perhaps more to the point, it simply isn’t. It may seem counter-intuitive, but just look at the areas of the world that are growing fastest – social networks, online communities, places for people to see and be seen. If that many people are willing to put a lot of time and effort into digital neighbourliness, then it stands to reason that maybe people are just as willing to be good neighbours in the real world. Were it not for the fact that people assume these communities no longer exist, I expect they would actually be thriving.
The problem is that despite a certain craving people have for communities, for achieving that sense of belonging, it doesn’t really seem to happen. Are we all too scared to take that first step, or are the media right and all hope is lost? I like to think that there is definitely still hope – and if that is the case, we need to get off our asses and make sure we do a little community building in our real worlds.
It doesn’t have to be big. You don’t have to arrange dances, and bake sales, and '50s style street parties – although you can, by all means. That would be cool, and I want an invite. Instead, little tiny things need to change. Say hi to people walking down the street, and make sure to smile. Help that single mum jump start her car, even if it is early in the morning. Pet that adorable mutt that lives across the street, and accept that you might get muddy paw prints on your trousers. Even be the best neighbour in the world, and take treats round if you know someone is tucked up in bed ill.
None of these take time, or even that much effort. They are all little things that I expect all of us would be delighted to experience ourselves. And with them, we instantly build that feeling of neighbourliness. It is said that a smile is contagious, and I reckon this sort of behaviour could be too – and if nothing else, it means there is much more chance of there being someone there for you if you are ill (such as the man who runs the corner shop bringing me a sandwich for dinner today because I am in bed with the lurgy), or when you manage to lock yourself out of the house. Simples!
Image via Design by Zouny's Flickr