Our View of the Times – October 9

On October 9, 2013, in Latest News, by The Somerville Times

powderhouse_viewSome of us find it hard to let go of the past, to say farewell to the good old days. Others are thrilled to embrace change and boldly go wherever it is we all may be heading to.

One thing is certain, change comes and rearranges the landscape of our lives, both figuratively and literally.

There have been “hipsters” of every generation, throughout all of time. It’s part of our very make-up that the younger and older members of society should find themselves at loggerheads with one another, often over serious matters, and then again sometimes over relative trivialities or outright misperceptions that each side has of the other.

It’s not always about age differences, either. It can often be about lifestyle choices, personality conflicts, and any number of other factors that are not necessarily age apropos.

Whatever final definition one would settle on for “hipster” in their world view, the undeniable element of change is virtually unstoppable. Newcomers will make their way into our communities. Old friends will depart. We live in a world in flux, however much we may wish for stability and continuity of the familiar.

The very real troubles of those who struggle with higher rents and property taxes in this churning climate of change should evoke our sympathy and understanding.

Likewise, the dreams and aspirations of those who look to settle into and become a part of such a community might deserve the same degree of consideration and generosity of spirit.

The one thing most of us have in common is a need to have our roots planted down somewhere, and to feel accepted as a valued part of that community. And that’s an important thing to be sharing.

Discovering this common ground may serve as a great adventure for those who dare to venture towards it. It is certainly worth a try.

 

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