Visions of Utopia

Interesting discussion on Tuesday in class on Visions of Utopia: Experiments in Sustainable Culture.  So interesting that I dwelled, pondered, and contemplated on the topic the rest of the day.  We discussed Co-Housing/Intentional Communities.  After all of that thinking, I have come to this conclusion.  Please forgive me. I may end up all over the map with this.  I will try to refrain from a lengthy rambling session.


Visions of Utopia allowed us to see various types of intentional communities/co-housing communities that exist today as well as a brief historical review of their evolution.  In one example there was a community that shared everything from cars and tools to income where community members received a set monthly stipend of $62.  In another example there were communities that simply coexisted together and shared basic things like tools and lawn mowers.  Each community would make efforts to have dinner together several nights a week.

That is the beauty of this country (despite its past blemishes) that people have the freedom to establish these types of communities.  They are not for me.  Well except maybe for the one in Burlington, VT.  I could live in that type of co-housing development - it was a bit more my speed.  I acknowledge that spokesmen for most of the communities admitted that there were imperfections and various problems that these communities faced - that was relieving.  I believe these people's respect for nature and their sustainable pursuits can be admired but their sense of community comes into question and pretty much their entire ideology.  Some criticized the modern neighborhoods with the front load garages and their lack of hospitality but is their commune in the grand scheme of things that much different.  Once they pull into this type of community, are they not severing community on some level?  Please do not misunderstand me - I believe the inner workings of present day neighborhoods have their problems; however, I do not think these types of developments and the ideological principles that the inhabitants possess are not the answers to the world's problems.  We are too flawed.  At least I am.  I try hard not to be but it just doesn't seem to work.  Again, I appreciate their uniqueness and admire their efforts but there will always be that person or people that will not and do not pull their weight.

I was speaking with a peer about the black neighborhoods in our communities and how we envied them.  On any given day one can walk into a black neighborhood and will see children playing in the streets, adults sitting on front porches,  men sitting in the back yard grilling and playing cards.  This is the type of stuff Jane Jacobs wanted to preserve - Apple Pies and Baseball.  That, to me, is community at its best!!  The other beautiful thing about it is I can keep my hard earned money, give 10% to God in addition to charities I wish to give to or help a neighbor, a friend, or family member in need - which my wife and I do.  Call me what you will but I believe that community can be achieved by mixing it up.  Mixed income development, with open spaces, a baseball park and services within a walkable distance.

A baseball park - one park - anchored the neighborhood I grew up in and it was fantastic growing up there.  There was a patch of woods that was across the street and a pond in a pasture that kept my brother and me busy for hours.  In addition, I think the church healthily serves a communal function whether you are Buddhist, Christian, Jew or Muslim.  I think neighborhoods pre World War II espoused these elements.  These types of neighborhoods created community!!

Again, don't misunderstand me.  I don't think that my idea of community is going to solve all of the world's problems.  I certainly don't think my idea of community is superior to other forms of community.  I like balance.  For me, most of the examples that we viewed would not satisfy the balance I desire.

I did think some of the example of the co-housing developments merged nicely with existing neighborhoods.  They have a function.  It provides options.  As far as I'm concerned that is a great asset to a community.  The other co-housing development I did admire was the special needs co-housing.  That struck a chord with me.  It was serving a great purpose.  It gave these kids a sense of belonging and a sense of purpose.  That has its place in our society and I believe that should be embraced.  At the end of the day I appreciate and embrace the uniqueness of the different forms of community.  That is what makes our country great.  Robust debate and respect for the other one's opinion keeps it honest.  If that engenders balance in those people's lives - more power to them.  It is not for me.  I look forward to any comments or rebuttals.