Community has an assortment of characterizations which vary depending upon who is giving the definition. Some define their community geographically, others by similar interests, and yet others by heritage. However, the one thing all communities have in common is that they are made up of people.

The spirit and effect of a community is only as strong as the people within it. We’ve seen neighbourhoods raise themselves out of poverty, bring issues into public awareness, and bend governments all due to the spirit of a group of people. From protest groups to community leagues, a population can effect great and important change within the world.

Given the power of a community, one must also acknowledge the potential dark forces within it. We tend to form our communities based on similarity of viewpoints. While this can reinforce the mission of a group, it can lead to conformity in thinking which may tend to prohibit different opinions and views. In order for a community to continue to grow it must be able to change. The inability to accept constructive criticism without outrage or dissimilar opinions will leave the group devoid of any imagination or creativity. If the paradigm of inhabitants becomes too rigid it will ultimately fail to be able to address arising issues or adapt to a changing population, and thus become obsolete.

This conformity can lend itself to exclusion of people who do not fit within the set parameters. People need to feel that they have a place in the world and there is no greater evil than telling them that they don’t belong. However, we all have something unique to contribute.

Once a mindset is established within a group it will eventually direct the group’s morals. Principles will be led by the community’s goals. Any activity that will attain those goals will be deemed as sound even if they are less than honourable. In the group’s mindset, any motion that brings them closer to achieving their objective is deemed as good; the means will ultimately justify the ends. Individual consciences are given over to the collective in order to maintain the pervading disposition of the group. Once personal morals are surrendered corruption will ensue.

I support the concept of communities. I believe that they are important to achieve our ideals as a civilization in which every person can lead an existence of happiness, peace, security, and comfort. In order to achieve this we must model those ideals in every aspect of our lives and not allow them to become muddied by outside influences or alternate agendas. In this way we can realize a world of unity without wars, conflict, or senseless death. Imagine a globe without borders. Building communities in a way that is accessible to all is the first step.

Keri lives in the community of Boyle Street.