We all live in a community of one kind or another. It’s what
we do as humans. Connecting with other people is essential to our physical,
mental and emotional health.
As a small child, I remember riding my bicycle or skateboard
around my neighborhood without realizing how much I was actually observing.
Over time, subconsciously I knew the routines of dozens of households. I knew
when they mowed their lawns, when and where they walked their dogs, entertained
friends and family, were away on vacation, etc. Taking mental note of when
everything is ‘right with the world’, gives us a sense of safety and security.
Over time, we notice what is normal, and more importantly when something isn’t
quite right.
When one is a child, life is simpler in many ways. As we
grow up, our lives take on different meanings and responsibilities. We don’t
have the same time to cruise the ‘hood as we once did and see who was up to
what. However, to maintain our sense of safety and security, we need to
reconsider just how important ‘having a snoop’ can be.
There are obvious signs that things are different when we
notice newspapers piling up outside a neighbor’s front door. We might see long
grass growing where a perfectly manicured lawn once covered someone’s front
lawn. The usual routine is out of sync. Some neighbors are more conscious of
these differences and become concerned.
Depending on the size and demographics of a neighborhood
determines just how involved people become in one another’s lives. In
communities where there is a high concentration of children, many parents form
associations where shared active patrols help ensure safety. Such safety
comprises the basic common sense observations of loitering, vandalism, and
anything else that is out of the ordinary. When something appears out of place,
the authorities should be summoned. After the facts are assessed and dealt with
appropriately,, necessary actions are taken to return things to normal. There
are many successful models used to protect children from kidnapping, bullying,
and many other dangers.
In communities populated by senior citizens, similar
measures are usually put into place from the start. Transportation and health
issues, proper nutrition and hygiene, and depression and loneliness might be
the everyday battles neighbors may encounter. For those of us who live in
communities like this, keeping an eye out for one another is de rigueur, or at
least it should be. By the time we have reached our golden years, we have had experiences
that allow us to act in a supportive way.
Safety is paramount. If one follows the guideline of
strengthening the weakest link first, one must then have one’s priorities in
order. Sadly today, this is not happening, at least it is not happening enough.
If it were, we would not be sending one in six children to bed hungry. We would
not be living in a world where 60% of men don’t know it’s against the law to
hit someone, especially one’s spouse, domestic partner, child, or pet. We would
not be facing such issues as suicide prevention, bullying, domestic violence
and abject poverty.
Since there is clearly a different set of priorities at play
at the government level, the responsibility lies within each of us to protect
and improve our communities, relying where we can on municipal assistance.
Smaller civic groups do form and do accomplish much good. And we can do more.
Take the time to explain to children what living in
community is all about. They must learn to be aware of how they interact with others
and the impact such interactions have. We need to understand the difference
between being nosy and being responsible. Helping neighbors who are in need is
part of our civic duty. Following the Golden Rule leads to healthier stronger
neighborhoods and communities.
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