People often portray suburbs as a premier place to live. It’s expected to be safer, cleaner, have better education, and supply green open fields for children to play. Some of these characteristics may be true; however, a heavy mental weight comes with the package. Harmful traits of living in suburbia include over burdened parents [mandatory drive time from work and their kids activities], bored teenagers, teenage drivers, stranded elderly, and under financed municipalities. These characteristics add stress to our everyday lives and may even contribute to depression among residents.
Teenage suicide rates have been increasing since the 1950’s and sociologists point to isolation and boredom. This is in response to an environment that does not provide non-drivers to move throughout the community. Teenagers in suburban neighborhoods lack ordinary challenges of maturing that helps them gain a sense of self (120, Suburban Nation). It’s no surprise that residents of single family houses become lonesome because there is often little sense of community and few people walking the streets. We have created an environment that requires driving before every activity; even exercise (118, Suburban Nation). Unfortunately these issues are not exclusive to one age group or demographic. Elderly citizens also feel the pressures of being part of the car dependent population.
Residents don’t often grow out of these problems, they grow into it. It has become common for retirees to find a suburban home to relax in. This pleasure immediately changes the minute they lose their drivers license and are forced to move again. This secondary move provides the ‘non-viable’ elderly to be quarantined with members of society with a similar fate (123, Suburban Nation).
The negative characteristics of suburban housing are hidden very well by the typical ‘television screen house’ as James Kunstler described it. By purchasing a single family home you are portraying yourself as normal and just as successful as your cul-de-sac neighbors. These houses, although perceived to be great homes, can provide additional burdens on its residents and can actually contribute to serious mental and physical disorders.
Dan, your essay brings up valid points about suburban isolation. I found it interesting that you specified both teenagers suffering from these developments as well as the elderly. Both teenagers who cannot drive yet and elderly people who have gotten their license revoked are left at home while parents are out working and/or commuting to and from. While these two different age gaps are left in the same neighborhood. It seems as though it is often hard for them to relate to one another because of generation difference, and at times, they may prefer to avoid one another- which in turn adds to boredom and isolation.
ReplyDeleteWhy is it that isolation occurs within a community. The human brain needs physical and social interaction to maintain a stable balance. Currently it is evident that within suburbia the age group that lacks transportation at their finger tips and has outgrown the imagination of a child is at risk for this type of isolation. The question here is how can suburbia change to promote these interaction in these specific age groups? Just adding a park may appeal to young mothers and small children may not appeal to teens or the elderly. Maybe the introduction to a bowling alley to the community would promote social gathering or a small movie theater? But the truth is sound if something isn't done depression and physical disorders will not dissipate.
Deletedan, i thought that you also had a very successful "billboard" design...although in the language of visual literacy, i think the lower text would be unreadable.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Lindsey on this the Image you used is strong and conveys your intent without the definition on the bottom. I understand the lower text would not be readable to drivers passing by but to be honest I think it is redundant and unnecessary. You image says everything that needs to be said.
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