The Nature of Human Beings: the Concept of Community - Literature review Example

Introduction David Brook in his article “People like Us” constantly emphasizes on the fact that though the American society talk a lot about diversity still they are unable to accept the real diversity. The author states that although a lot of programs and policies have been set all around the world regarding diversity still a diverse neighborhood is really hard to find. Rather it is found that people are busy forming groups with those who are similar to them in terms of race, religion, culture, religion etc. In this regard the author draws the example of the distinction between the Democratic Lawyers of the Washington D.C. region who tend to reside in the uptown Maryland and the Republican lawyers of the same area, who resides in the suburban parts of Virginia. If a lawyer of Maryland is asked to shift their dwelling to Virginia, they would just give an amazed look as if something strange and impossible has been proposed to them. The same thing would take place when an Interior decorator of West Hollywood is asked to move to Orange County. Similarly a barista belonging to owners from Athens named “In Georgia” would not find them fit for serving coffee to the American citizens. Analysis The same complaint can be seen everywhere. In the modern era of information and technology, the late author James Chapin noted a remarkable similarity between the different places and the inhabitants and in this context he said “every place becomes more like itself”. In the earlier days people used to consider those places suitable for living which includes lots of factory or other means of earnings, while now the same people look for places to reside which consists of people belonging to their culture. The author finds that the general people love segmenting themselves. According to him, the people are, “finding places where we are comfortable and where we feel we can flourish”. In this context the contrast nature of the United States has been put under limelight which often exhibits distinction between the institutions and blocks but as a whole they introduce themselves as a diverse nation. Mr. Brook states that diversity is often understood as racial unity. Many social reformers tried to incorporate this idea in their approaches towards a society without racial discrimination and it proved to be successful in the initial years. However the census data of 2000 reveals that racially integrated neighborhoods were found to rise during the 90s but due to some unknown reason the African families who were staying earlier with their American neighbors, were found to shift in the black neighborhood regions. The author has cited many such instances throughout this writing. Conclusion In the concluding paragraphs Brooks state that it is the nature of the human beings to stay close to those who are somehow similar to them. From this mentality the concept of community arises. It is a psychological state of mind which has been developed and nurtured for generations after generations. According to the author, it is essential for human beings to experience diverse environments and organizations in order to lead a life with broader thoughts and wider perspectives which ultimately will contribute towards the integrity of the human civilization as a whole. Read More