WHILE the sounds of blaring horns and muffler-free motorcycles in the distance takes a bit of getting used to, there is a certain magic about living in a large, congested city. While this summer is the second I've spent in Washington, D.C., it marked the first in which I resided deep within the metropolis, rather than in the suburbs on the periphery. The experience has been a remarkable one and deserves the attention of a column. Namely, that at some time in one's life everyone should spend some time living in a big city.
Now, this is not the romanticism of a life-long urban dweller. In fact, I could hardly imagine living with so many human beings per square foot for the rest of my days. Instead, in the interest of intellectual discussion, I hope that light may be shed on the unique experience that urban living gives students.
First, this argument is predicated on the assertion that Americans today do not act in groups as well as they once did. What urban planners refer to as the "third place", or the place that people gather beside work and home (i.e. the first two places) have all but disappeared from modern daily routine. Children are raised in subdivisions rather than neighborhoods. People do not walk to school or walk to work. Greater time is spent in the car. According to some political scientists, from this disassociation has come political apathy and social isolation for too many Americans.
The seminal work on this subject was an article-turned-book titled "Bowling Alone" by Robert Putnam. In this study, Putnam argued that because more Americans are, as he calls it, "bowling alone", the fabric of American society and politics is weaker. After a summer in the big city, it is clear that human interaction on a regular basis is a very healthy component of civic life.
Take the concept of public transit: a notion foreign to all but the largest cities, unless of course one is brave enough to ride the bus. The "Metro" in Washington is clean and remarkably reliable. It offers healthy exercise, namely walking from the origin to the station and then from the exiting station to the destination, in addition to a safe exposure to all elements of society. One is not sheltered from the less desirable rungs of the socio-economic ladder. This healthy perspective does not allow one to become completely sheltered from those less fortunate. Familiar faces pass by on a regular basis, allowing one to feel part of a community.
Hilary Clinton was derided for the title of her book a few years ago, "It Takes a Village", yet after a summer of living in such proximity with other people it has become clear that there is much to be gained from a high-density community experience. Without a doubt, small towns may offer many of the same outlets for intimate knowledge of other's business so as to form a collective support net. However, the way that an individual can feel part of a community while simultaneously remaining a single, anonymous individual in a vast sea of people is a remarkable experience, and one that deserves exploration at some point in one's life.
Aside from the social implications, there is such a host of educational, cultural, and entertainment venues that deserve exploration. These activities offer such a diverse range of possible events that one could enjoy a near endless host of new and exciting choices. Great acts come to play concerts; notable art exhibits come through town; and, pro-sports games are easily accessible -- all of these on a college student's limited budget. In D.C., for example, intern specials abound in many happy-hour establishments and free food or deals can be found in all corners of the city. All it takes is a little asking around and some persistence to discover cheap and easy fare and fun.
The striking differences between urban living and a life in any other setting are difficult to quantify, other than by saying that it is pure stimulation for all the senses. The fresh sights, sounds, feelings, etc. never let life get stale. When bored, entertainment is an easy walk away. When overwhelmed, solitude is simple to find. Parks are bountiful, and tourist attractions lend themselves well to feeling lost in a crowd.
Though exciting and wonderful for a summer, living in the city is something that while exciting in short doses, I doubt many could endure for a lifetime. Now that the summer is winding down, a return to the drowsy pace and familiar faces of Charlottesville is quite appealing. Yet for all those who have yet to give it a taste, a brief sojourn to a bustling metropolis is certainly a recommended way to endure the hot doldrums between spring and autumn semesters.
(Preston Lloyd is a Cavalier Daily columnist. He can be reached at plloyd@cavalierdaily.com.)
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