In one of my recent posts, I summarized a landmark report by US Surgeon General on America’s social isolation epidemic. Since then, I’ve received many messages from friends and readers who’ve expressed their shock, awe or sadness towards the social fabric of America. This “social fabric” might as well be euphemism for something really odd that’s been going on in US cities, which are home to 83% of all Americans.
Something which seems to defy the endless trend of “surveys” that rank world’s best cities to live that you may have come across. You may even have noticed a certain shift in urban and civic attitudes yourself; or if you are more analytically inclined — may have been hoping to see some numbers.
One of the great things about data is that it can convey a lot without saying much; social data also offers a window into the Zeitgeist or the prevailing spirit of an era. The reason surveys about American social life or values become so important is because for more than a century and for much of the world, it has represented a very strong idea — a modern urban life or the more colloquial “American Dream”.
In a time when urban density is at an all time high and everyone is unquestionably more connected to information — Americans appear more distant than ever before. Not only that, they’ve also become more indifferent and disagreeable towards each other. Included below are some eye-opening charts and figures which summarize the current state of affairs — these mainly relate to social values, population density and community well-being.
Depending upon your disposition, you may find these figures shocking, sad or even absurdly comical; but in any case they point to something significant and urgent. America’s global brand of urbanism seems to be losing the plot entirely. A place which in modern history has led a ceaseless procession towards innovation and modernity, appears to be missing something rather simple — a sense of community.
One thing that any immigrant from a country with declining social order may attest to; is the surprising speed with which things can go from bad to worse. While the reasons for community breakdown may be many and some of those structural — any course correction may first depend on acknowledging something that’s going seriously wrong. Before we build the smart cities in the future, perhaps we should create more sustainable communities in the present. There is a lot that can be learnt from looking at rest of the world as well as the large body of knowledge in urban history.
Social data can become quite politically divisive and rhetorical, which is why I would recommend we all reserve our opinions in that regard. Instead, I hope we realize the urgency and impact of what these charts represent; for better or worse, one gets the sense they’re probably going down in history.
As some related reading, I would highly recommend this piece titled “Get Serious — About Purpose” by Katherine Boyle.
Also if you would like, I contribute to a series on urban history of ancient cities which you can check out here.
Author’s Note: This article is not meant to ridicule the American way of life in any manner. In fact, I believe US has long represented great values like liberty, merit and rule of law; and it continues to attract the brightest and most hardworking people from around the world.
The intent is to bring awareness to some glaring issues, which are currently being ignored by traditional media or public discourse. Given that this is being published on Memorial Day, a time to remember the greatest sacrifice of American heroes; I hope this can lead to some introspection and then sincere action.
Please feel free to share your ideas or thoughts — I would love to learn.