Neighbors

In order to build communities we should start with our neighbors. Most of us don't even know our neighbors let alone interact with them regularly.


Some common hurdles would seem to be:

1) Mistrust: Rather than building communities and relying upon each other, we have exploited and oppressed each other to the point where we simply don't trust strangers.

Result:
Neighbor: "Hello Neighbor!"
Us: "Hi...What do you want?"

2) Hate: Some people tend to reject other world views that differ from their own rather than trying to understand them. This leads to presumption, prejudice and division rather than dialogue, concession and cohesion.

Result:
Neighbor: "Hello Neighbor!"
Us: "Fuck you!"

3) Timing: Yes, people are busy. But this is nonsense because we have the ability to communicate with each other in ways other than face to face interaction. If we wanted to meet our neighbors we could leave a note (and, idyllically, maybe a pie). However, nobody could be this nice right? (see mistrust).

Result:
Neighbor: "HELLO NEIGHBOR. I live next door and just wanted to    say hello. Enjoy the apple pie."
Us: "Weirdo. (Sarcastically) Thanks for the ruffie pie."


These are just thoughts based on my perceptions. But we need to consider these societal obstacles and take action, or else our neighborhoods will be reduced to a series of addresses.