I don’t think going to Haiti was ever anyone’s idea of a good time, but it certainly isn’t now. The island nation’s capital of Port-au-Prince is under siege, overrun by gangs of alleged cannibals and led by a mobster known as Barbecue and his lieutenants — Baby Back and Dry Rub. (I’m kidding about the last two.)
In just a week, reports of Haitian cannibalism went from rare to medium rare.
The situation continued to devolve as Kenya, of all nations, made plans to lead a UN police force into Haiti and restore order. Those left in Haiti are requesting an international aid package containing clothing, medicine, and something that pairs well with red meat.
I make fun, but this is a serious and concerning situation. It’s eating me up.
We are witnessing a society completely break down in real time. Whatever tied the Haitian people together has dissolved, leaving a shattered country behind.
But why do these things happen? What causes everyday citizens to turn on one another? What holds societies together, and could what happened in Haiti and other nations happen here?
At the turn of the 21st century, Harvard’s Robert Putnam wrote “Bowling Alone,” an article – and later a book – addressing the decline of American social capital, which he describes as “networks, norms, and social trust” facilitated by face-to-face participation in civic, recreational, religious, political, and governmental organizations. The title is taken from his observation that, while more Americans than ever go bowling, membership in organized bowling leagues is at an all-time low. More people are bowling, but they do so alone.
In the 1960s, millions of Americans simultaneously withdrew from civic life. Fraternal organizations like the Shriners, political organizations like the League of Women Voters, and community groups like the PTA all saw staggering losses in membership. While new groups, like the AARP and Sierra Club, have appeared and successfully attracted members, Putnam points out that they do not emphasize or foster a connection between individuals. Members are united by common symbols or ideas rather than by each other.
Putnam argues that an active and engaged population is not the product of, but rather a necessary condition for, an effective representative government and society. He found that the quality of governance is directly correlated with “longstanding traditions of civic engagement.”
He believes it is no coincidence that a decline in American civic participation came hand in hand with the unprecedented lack of social and governmental trust seen today.
American society is more atomized and individualistic than ever. I can’t help but wonder if the increase in political violence and social unrest seen over the past few years cannot be traced back to a disconnected population. We saw mobs pillage and burn shops and restaurants in their own communities. Many rioters likely frequented these unfortunate establishments as customers or worked there as employees sometime before descending upon them.
What would make so many people willing to bring such violence and destruction to the place they call home?
Perhaps it’s because we live in an age of hyper-independent individuals with little to no investment or pride in their communities. In this, I’m just as guilty as anybody. Americans could never retreat as far from society as they can today through technology and social media. Groceries and other essentials are delivered right to your door by unseen workers. Some rideshare apps will let you ask that the driver not speak to you. We stream TV alone, and as the amount of media increases, fewer people watch the same things. We have less to talk about. Many Americans live a convenient but lonely life.
For the past few decades, the cultural zeitgeist told Americans to live for themselves and to find fulfillment through self-actualization. I’m no opponent of rugged individualism, but we are reaping the harvest of a “me first” society. It is no wonder there is an emerging epidemic of loneliness and purposelessness in this country.
Aristotle observed that “man is a political animal,” one that necessarily forms communities for the common good. No matter what we may think, we cannot thrive alone, and America may benefit from a rebirth of civic life and from a concerted effort to care for and invest in our communities.
Everyone you pass on the street, see in a store, or otherwise interact with during your day is a real, living person. They’re not just set-dressing or paid actors who fill out the background of my movie. Let’s try to take a moment to care about our fellow citizens, say hello, and build some social capital.
Nick Treglia is a first-year law student.
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News. To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to Commentary@1819news.com.
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