While a neighborhood can be a community, there is a difference between a neighborhood and community. A community is a place where a group of people (whether it be 10 or 1000) work together to accomplish a goal or help one another. Neighborhoods are characterized by distance and geography, while a community is less of a physical thing and more of a spiritual/mental idea.
Communities I Belong To-
- school
- family
- church
One of my strongest communities is with my family. While we are very comfortable with each other in our house, I feel that my family connects stronger in a different place- Stella's Diner. Stella's has been around since before my parents moved to Chicago, and almost as soon as they arrived they started to frequent the colorful little restaurant. When I was born, the waiters and waitresses (who we know almost as well as most of our friends) would carry me around with them so my parents could eat a meal in peace. Needless to say, little baby Claire was a big hit among the other customers. Now, fifteen years later with two younger siblings, we still go to Stella's on a weekly basis. The building itself is bright and kitschy- the walls are painted a bright lime green, and the purple and orange paint splatters display the daily specials (challah french toast and chorizo skillets on Saturdays). Bright paintings of superheroes frame the walls, and the big blackboard covered with drawings of all of the dessert options greets us with a big chalk 'Welcome!'. When my family is there to eat brunch together, everybody seems happier. Even though my house is obviously a very strong place for the family community, the little diner on Broadway is like a sacred temple for us.
Expectations
Being in a family, each member has a lot of expectations, both from others and from themselves. Communication is obviously a major expectation- communicating is the main reason the community functions. We are expected to tell the truth and talk to each other when we need to. The children of the family are also expected to get good grades and always try our best. In my family, no excuses for laziness are allowed. While we are totally encouraged to socialize and have down time, there is always room for studying and homework.
Why the Community is Comfortable
I feel comfortable in my family community because I know I can always talk to my family. We all trust and love each other, and they will always be there for me when I need them. Even though we may get into fights, we always find ways to put personal pride out of the picture and forgive each other. This community works because we work as a whole, not as separate parts, and a problem for one person is a problem for the whole family. I can be myself with my family.
I think I can relate to many aspects of this post. Although my family doesn't take a weekly visit to the restaurant, I feel that both of our expectations to communicate and respect are very similar. As well as, how we have feel comfortable around family.
ReplyDeleteI liked how you described the restuarant, it seemed like a place filled with love. You grew up with the people at the resturant so therefore they became part of your family. I can relate to that since I also feel like that when people I know for years also feel like part of my family even when we aren't blood related. It is nice knowing they are going to be there for you through the good and the bad.
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