How Well Do You Know Thy Neighbor?

Growing up, my family was acquainted with almost every family on our block. All of us kids went to the same schools, participated in extracurricular activities together, and often visited each other homes with minimal fear of any abuse or theft occurring. Adults chastised all the children the same whether they knew them personally or not without any fear of repercussions and closely guarded neighbors' homes while on vacations or at work. We all attended events together and were bonded by the fact that we shared the same street. To me, it was the true definition of a neighborhood.

Fast forward to 2013 where interactions among neighbors seem rare or rather forced. Many people dwell on the same block or sometimes the same building for years without even knowing the name of the people that live directly beside them. You may get the occasional hand wave or request to borrow something but how many of us can say that we truly know what kind of people live close to us? 

Recently my city was traumatized by a mass shooting that took place midday in one of the busiest parts of town. After the shooter's identity was revealed, many of his neighbors came forward to say that they rarely saw him or even knew his name. Not to conclude that because one is private or quiet that they are automatically psycho but as citizens we must look out for each other by at least attempting to become acquainted with one another. 

Looking at the case in Ohio of the three missing girls found living in the basement for nearly 10 years without notice is a direct conflict of knowing thy neighbor. The assailant was particularly well known and liked in his neighborhood but still managed to keep these young women hidden even when he had visitors. In this case, even his neighbors and family that visited his residence had no clue to the secrets that lay beneath them making his crimes even more shocking especially to those who knew him. 

In essence, people have the ability and the right to conceal things about themselves to appear more likable or less creepy but I sincerely believe that as neighbors we have the duty to protect and look out for one another. Despite the rise of self interest and preservation, there are neighborhoods that bond together for the greater good not only after trauma or a disaster occurs. This leaves me hopeful that regardless of the evidence that suggests separatism is growing, many of us still grasp the concept of a collectivist society.