What's in a Community?

In class we’ve been exploring the concepts of community. However, what is considered a community? When I think of community, I think of the geography behind it. Thus, to me a community is a group of people and families that live in close proximity, in the same geographic area.  Do you think something is missing from my definition of community? What about the sense of community? While you live in a community, you may not feel like there is a sense of community. I make this statement from experience. At home, I don’t really know my neighbours, and it seems like none of us make the effort to know each other.

A picture from Gilmore Girls, from the community

Growing up I knew what I wanted in a community, what kind of neighbourhood I wished to live in as an adult. I wanted to live in a big city within a tight knit community. This was partly, maybe more, due to watching Gilmore Girls. In Gilmore Girls, the town of Stars Hollow showed a great sense of community: everyone knew each other, had town meetings, frequent community events, and no big box stores.  When something went wrong, the community acted as a support system. Even with Rory gone to University, the community still asked about her, and she also stayed in contact with the community by visiting often.

I know it may unrealistic to compare a sitcom to the “real world” because, after all, sitcoms have scripts, and depict what viewers want to see, the ideal world or utopia. However, if that’s what people want, maybe there is value is watching the lives of these characters unravel? As it did with me, it made me see what I want, but I haven’t put into action any of this in my community. When I look at my community I think see the community as being passive, not seeing that changes should be made.  This relates to the fact I hardly see my neighbours outside, even in the warmer months. Almost every household has at least one vehicle, thus takes their children to extra-curricular activities instead of playing outside with the other children.  When there is the community garage sale in the summer, I still don’t see much of the neighbours outside, getting to know other members of the community. Maybe I’m just not paying attention? Maybe since I’m no longer a child, I don’t see the talking between parents?

One thing I think I can assume is when kids in the community know each other they play together, thus they create their own community.  As classmates have pointed out in class, a community have shared values, shared beliefs, and share common interests.  That being said, if children create their own network of friends, would that be considered a community? When kids get to know each other, it also opens the opportunity for parents to connect.

I apologize if I’ve spoken in circles today, that was not my intention.  As I wrote this blog post, it gave me a lot to think about, which may explain why I spoke in circles, I was writing “out-loud”.  I will definitely try and keep all of this in mind, and maybe try and see how my neighbourhood does fit the definition of community, and how I can potentially make an impact.

Sources:

FNN 400 lecture notes week 6

More information on Gilmore Girls: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0238784/