It is strange that as social media has become more prevalent our society has not become more social. When I grew up in Buffalo, NY back in the 1950’s and 1960’s there were pubs and local bars on every corner it seemed.
Those living in the German section had menus that included liver dumpling soup (which was very good.) In the Italian section there were purple pickled eggs and Italian sausage.
Polish section had pierogi and polish sausage. They all had Friday fish frys and everybody would go to these places to socialize and eat every week. It was like the bar on the TV program Cheers where everybody knows your name.
Today that doesn’t happen. The development of the suburbs, the need for cars to get around, the intentional dismantling of ethic neighborhoods by political activist, basically wrote the demise of the corner bar.
Add to that the younger generations have stopped supporting outside groups like B.P.O.E,, Knights of Columbus, Masons, D.A.R., and a lot of the technical and business associations that used to flourish are starved for members.
Many people no longer know who their neighbors are or have consistent group of associates that they see on a regular basis. I believe many people are becoming more isolated and lonely.
A book I had read called “Finding Your Third Space” by Richard Kyte argue that if we wish to live flourishing lives with numerous opportunities for fellowship than we must do it deliberately.
The third space is not just a physical place but a metaphor for how we live our lives in the world. Richard Kyte argues that we have been spending less time doing things that make us feel good and interacting with others.
I have read about some school districts that have banned cell phones from their schools and have found that students after several weeks were happier, making friends and becoming more social.
It seemed we never had people looking for their 15 minutes of fame by shooting up a school or mall. Let me know what you think. My next blog will explore thoughts this book and on how to use this information with groups we belong to like churches.
If you have struggled with this question and others then go to Patterson2Y2R,com/blog should be a place you should visit to share your stories and challenges.
I have an ear that would love to hear your stories. Let’s taste the real meaning of life. I am still working on my course with the goal of launching a starter course, and I will keep you abreast as to how the process goes.
If you want to participate in this process and join my first class please send me an email to bobchuckpatterson@yahoo.com
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