 |
SIR- Lexington is right to worry about the end of American civility and trust (September 22nd). In fact, America’s ample social capital is an important factor in keeping our already-violent society from getting worse. In an index produced by the Institute for Economics and Peace, the most peaceful states in America also had the highest rates of social capital.
In the more violent states there were lower levels of trust in the community, fewer hours volunteered, lower membership rates in local organisations and less participation in neighbourhood events. What Lexington identifies in his fond memories of neighbourly pot-roasts and the like in Washington, DC, must not be eroded by long-term social-demographic sorting trends or political party vitriol.
Maybe we need to unsort ourselves, to move into neighbourhoods where our preconceptions are challenged, and simply to hang out more often with our neighbours. I moved to Anacostia in south-east DC in search of more amiable neighbourly behaviour. Every day is a front-stoop parade, every night a recap of the day’s goings-ons, and every month a block or dinner party. Anacostia’s occasional violence seems less threatening as a result.
Michael Shank
School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution
George Mason University
Arlington, Virginia
This material is presented as the original analysis of analysts at S-CAR and is distributed without profit and for educational purposes. Attribution to the copyright holder is provided whenever available as is a link to the original source. Reproduction of copyrighted material is subject to the requirements of the copyright owner. Visit the original source of this material to determine restrictions before reproducing it. To request the alteration or removal of this material please email [email protected].