Are we ready to embrace a village mentality?
Hayley Richardson | Thu, Nov 1st, 2007 | Category: Commentary | Tags: hayley richardson, pennsylvania, dutch umbrellas, village mentality, fairmount district
For all the time I spend lamenting the state of racial and economic injustice, I want to take the time to point out small initiatives that add whimsy and convenience to modern urban living.
While flaneuring through the Fairmount District the other day, I stumbled upon a brand new and highly pragmatic system designed to ensure you’re never forced to battle the elements without protection. The project, referred to as “Dutch Umbrellas,” has stationed umbrellas at various “raindrops” throughout the neighborhood. Unprepared residents are allowed to take them as they please, with the intention of passing it on at the next drop-off point they encounter.
This got me thinking about the possibilities for collectivity that urban living affords. Besides geographical proximity, we urbanites are blessed with what I hope is some endemic desire to facilitate community, as well as a ridiculous amount of stuff. (For proof, just check out the frequency of “curb alerts” on Craigslist).
But how realistic is this system of sharing? How big of a radius are we talking here? What are the limits to things that can be shared? (An eight piece dining set for the next time you’re hosting the queen? Jewels for galas? Vespas for joyrides?) Would there be enough public shaming to act as an incentive for people to actually return what was borrowed?
I guess my question is, are we, avowed individualists as we are, ready to embrace a village mentality?
A beguiling urban experiment indeed. And the availability of umbrellas is appealing, although certain to put damper on John Cusack’s “caught in the rain” shtick.