Community isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the backbone of our existence. Yet, in the 21st century, we’ve lost touch with its true essence—an essential part of our DNA.
The importance of community is so deeply rooted that even prolonged solitary confinement is recognized by the UN as a form of psychological torture. Yet, today, we often celebrate the idea of 'making it on our own,' overlooking the reality that we thrive best when supported by one another.
It Takes a Village
There’s an African proverb that’s always resonated with me: "It takes a village to raise a child." We’ve all heard it. It emphasizes that it takes the collective effort of a community to nurture and prepare a child to face the world. However, there’s another African proverb that reveals a darker truth: "The child who is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth." This starkly highlights the consequences of neglect—when a community fails its members, destruction often follows. If the village doesn’t raise the child, that child will seek warmth elsewhere, even in the most harmful places. In other words, this is how assholes are raised.
A Disconnect Rooted in Capitalism
How did we end up here, in a world where recording someone in need is more common than lending a hand? The truth is harsh but undeniable: our capitalist system prioritizes profit over people. (Cue McCarthy rolling his eyes.) This relentless pursuit of profit has left us with longer work hours and less time for genuine human connection. We’d rather chase clout on social media than get to know our neighbours. That disconnect has eroded our sense of community, leaving us more isolated than ever.
But capitalism isn’t the only culprit. A lack of mental health resources also plays a significant role. Feeling unsupported and isolated, we withdraw further, convinced we're alone in our struggles. This vicious cycle of disconnection and isolation feeds on itself, exacerbating the very problems we need to overcome.
The Solution: Rekindling Community
It’s all connected: a lack of community leads to increased mental health struggles, which, in turn, leads to further isolation. And it’s alarming that, as a society, we're okay with this. We’ve settled for digital connections instead of physical ones, trading laughs and smiles for likes on social media. Look at how online dating has deteriorated (I’m working on fixing this).
So, what’s the solution? Start simple: say hi, fire up the grill, and create spaces for real, physical connection. Just like the impromptu neighbourhood cookout we had after my neighbour suggested we do something following a late-night hangout, these small actions can lead to powerful results. Forty people showed up, bonds were strengthened, and one community member who is struggling with mental health even shared that it was the best day they’d had in a long time.
I won't lie—I was hesitant that we could pull this off because it was such short notice, but we managed. We got out the tables and chairs, he got the hot dogs and other supplies, and it was a simple, low-key hangout. I posted it on our community app, and sure enough—build it, and they will come.
Our half-baked cookout idea turned out fantastic. Kids were running around, people were meeting each other, and those we least expected to show up from the community app actually did. People said we needed this for a very long time, but no one really knew how to initiate it. We overthink the “how” but not the execution. And all it takes is one person and a couple of hot dogs.
Well, it’s safe to say that a proper one will be planned for next summer. This experience reminded me why I do this community work—why I help communities build their digital spaces and why physical connections are so crucial. Because without it, we’re as good as dead.
To borrow a quote from Lost: "Live together or die alone."
Community Is Survival
Community is life. Without it, we are adrift. So, the next time you see your neighbour, say hello. When new folks move in, wave and introduce yourself. Arrange playdates for the kids. This rugged, hyper-individualistic approach isn’t working—because community is how we survive. Let’s embrace it.
Community is life. Embrace it, nurture it, and watch it thrive.
