As always a lot food for thought. I have my own obeservations about the eroding of rural culture we can talk some time soon.
One particular thought that came to my mind when reading your essay was: Why does rural culture erode? You giving some answers however (I dont like to say you are missing the point - you arent) I think it is much more simple than you describe.
It all comes down to convenience. Cities are a big source of convenience. You need food? You go to the store around the corner. You need some service? You will find a provider that will offer it to you and so on and on. As long as you have enough money you can buy as much convenience as you like. And having enough money comes down to being hyperspecialised so your own services or goods make you enough money in the city.
Rural culture however is to a large degree about jointly overcoming "inconvenience" that is not so much about making something convenient but less inconvenient. And as more and more "convenience products" pour out of the cities into the country side rural becoming more convenient to (be it plastics, a car or the next Walmart 50 miles away). So yes there is no rural culture anymore and it hasnt been for a long time to be honest. Its only that the effects are becoming more and more evident (if you care to watch)
I have been thinking about this for a few days now, what I wanted to reply to you, and when I told it to Chris, he said, "you should just make this a post." Because it was long, and I had much to say. So, I will make a post soon about how I think about convenience. You're absolutely right that people chase convenience, but I think many people's idea of convenience is far too narrow and conventional. Thanks for the comment!
As always a lot food for thought. I have my own obeservations about the eroding of rural culture we can talk some time soon.
One particular thought that came to my mind when reading your essay was: Why does rural culture erode? You giving some answers however (I dont like to say you are missing the point - you arent) I think it is much more simple than you describe.
It all comes down to convenience. Cities are a big source of convenience. You need food? You go to the store around the corner. You need some service? You will find a provider that will offer it to you and so on and on. As long as you have enough money you can buy as much convenience as you like. And having enough money comes down to being hyperspecialised so your own services or goods make you enough money in the city.
Rural culture however is to a large degree about jointly overcoming "inconvenience" that is not so much about making something convenient but less inconvenient. And as more and more "convenience products" pour out of the cities into the country side rural becoming more convenient to (be it plastics, a car or the next Walmart 50 miles away). So yes there is no rural culture anymore and it hasnt been for a long time to be honest. Its only that the effects are becoming more and more evident (if you care to watch)
I have been thinking about this for a few days now, what I wanted to reply to you, and when I told it to Chris, he said, "you should just make this a post." Because it was long, and I had much to say. So, I will make a post soon about how I think about convenience. You're absolutely right that people chase convenience, but I think many people's idea of convenience is far too narrow and conventional. Thanks for the comment!