Perhaps we need to reimagine ‘community’

Dear Editor,

I think it more than coincidence that the column “Diversity and Friendship” and the article on social networking sites underemphasizing loneliness appeared on the same day (“Sense and Nonsense: Diversity and Friendship” and “Study shows social networking sites can lead to negative self-image,” Jan. 7).

Columnist Aysha Bagchi wrote that “I found myself envying people who were materially less fortunate. Friends who have volunteered in remote places in other parts of the world…have told me similar stories of communities with fewer iPods but, in my friends’ eyes, more meaning.” While the thrust of the column was promoting diversity of friendship, this statement hit me the hardest. In a generation that communicates through technology ubiquitously (save the dinner table or discussion section), we have given up the treasure of binding ourselves to a real, living, breathing community. We often look at those who are economically and socially less fortunate through the lens that they lack the resources and capabilities technology affords the privileged. This view, however, ignores what the less fortunate have — the strength of community and real relationships.

The research done on social networking found (unsurprisingly) that people underestimated the loneliness of others, in turn hurting their own well-being. But in a culture where communication is virtual, feelings cannot be mutually shared or understood. With the wall of technology, time and to-do lists perennially in front of us, we not only block ourselves from meaningful relationships, but we don’t allow ourselves to reap the benefit of community. Our sense of others arises from a distorted imagination dictated by the media and the flurry of Facebook posts and statuses.

Aysha and her friends are not the only ones to observe that the technology-poor are the community-rich. Interdependence (on more than a problem set) brings forth something that a wall-to-wall or passing relationship cannot provide. The challenge, however, is not to simply take the “principle” of needing deeper relationships away from both pieces. I see the challenge to question not only our dependence on the material to sustain our relationships, but also the need to question our lack of dependence on community. It’s difficult to see value in sharing time and joy, living purposefully in a community and investing oneself in others in our “i” society — filled with iPods, iPads, iPhones, iBooks, and the simple “I” that individualism heralds as supreme.

Perhaps it’s not simply our friendships we need to re-imagine — maybe it’s our concept of community. I thank both authors for their pieces, but hope that a larger discourse on what real community looks like can emerge from these pages.

Ashley Artmann ‘12

I applaud Luck’s decision

Dear Editor:

Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck has decided not to declare for the 2011 NFL Draft but instead return to college for his senior season, which may see both a national championship and a Heisman Trophy added to his already-impressive resume (“Our lucky day,” Jan. 7).

I’m a college student and I love when student-athletes decide to put off their dreams for a year or two and return back to school to receive their respective degrees and enjoy the college experience while they are able to. In Mr. Luck’s case, the circumstances are a bit different.

If he had entered in the draft for this upcoming season, he would not have the burden of a potential restriction on rookie contracts, but by waiting another year he faces the possibility of having to deal with a restriction on rookie contracts. For many people, especially younger student-athletes, knowing $50 to $60 million is just one “yes” away would have them jumping for joy and they would be on the phone as quick as they could reach one.

By staying in college, Mr. Luck only delayed the inevitable a year longer. Either this year or next, he’s within the top five picks and the best all-around quarterback in the draft.  I’m from the state of Tennessee, where 14 years ago Peyton Manning returned to college for his senior season and it turned out great for himself and the Indianapolis Colts.

I applaud Mr. Luck’s decision and look forward to seeing him on Sundays. I just have to wait an extra year. I wish Mr. Luck the best of luck in what’s left of his college career and in his future NFL career. May God bless him.

Billy Parrish

Clarksville, Tenn.