Our family moved to Eagan from Minneapolis a little less than three months ago. As someone who has never lived in the suburbs, these are some things I've learned so far about perception and reality.
Myths and truths--everyone encounters them, so the subject of the suburbs in relation to that dichotomy is definitely interesting. Indeed, having one's myths set straight with reality is educational and promotes wisdom. And, of course, those myths and truths change with time, as society evolves (or devolves in certain cases). For example, with our world being smaller due to the news that's available on-line, the stereotype (myth) of people living "in the country" not having the possibility of being informed seems less possible now. That doen't mean that those people won't ignore the truth of facts and will cling to their old beliefs; such myth-clinging also occurs with people in big cities. Unfortunately, then, examples of the stereotype of a group exist, and we wind up with myths becoming reality to a degree. But myths can surely keep us from exploring truths, which keeps us from exercising our critical thinking skills--a dangerous situation in an election year.
Myths and truths--everyone encounters them, so the subject of the suburbs in relation to that dichotomy is definitely interesting. Indeed, having one's myths set straight with reality is educational and promotes wisdom. And, of course, those myths and truths change with time, as society evolves (or devolves in certain cases). For example, with our world being smaller due to the news that's available on-line, the stereotype (myth) of people living "in the country" not having the possibility of being informed seems less possible now. That doen't mean that those people won't ignore the truth of facts and will cling to their old beliefs; such myth-clinging also occurs with people in big cities. Unfortunately, then, examples of the stereotype of a group exist, and we wind up with myths becoming reality to a degree. But myths can surely keep us from exploring truths, which keeps us from exercising our critical thinking skills--a dangerous situation in an election year.