The Beauty of Community
Posted by andreasherrel on May 20, 2011
Beauty
One of the main components of the current technology age is the concept of a participatory culture. As opposed to decades past where we just received information from the television, radio, or newspaper, the Internet has allowed us to also respond in kind. In this way we are able to create a sense of connection and community with those things we both love and loathe from the comfort of our couch.
Before the Internet, community was created by interacting with people you met face to face. They were your neighbors, co-workers, and family. Recently I had the opportunity to witness my community in action. I had a child. There is nothing as beautiful and sacred as giving birth and raising children, but equally there is nothing as daunting either. In fact it is downright scary when you realize that it is your sole responsibility to make sure this kid gets a solid foundation for whatever path they choose in life.
So you can imagine how surprised I was when I realized the truth, it is not my sole responsibility. Since I had been lucky enough to create a community of real, tangible friends and family I immediately had a group of people actively invested in my child’s solid foundation. How beautiful is that? Some of these people I’ve known for a lifetime while others came along in the middle of this adventure, but they all came providing love and support.
Not every new parent experiences this kind of support. And without that community of genuine friends and family to encourage you it can be a lonely and discouraging process. Couple that with the many impersonal institutions that you have to deal with when raising kids – hospitals, government, insurance companies, etc. – and your parental stress level goes through the roof.
That is why it is important to create a space for parents to interact and support each other. A place where they can be relaxed and ask each other questions. A way that those who do not have a built in community can join one. It is imperative that we, meaning Americans, place a higher value on the role of parenthood and not just with lip service. It is the same as with our educators. Both parents and teachers mold young minds and prepare them for future leadership, without our support the country fails.
