Entries, Data Collection and Dialogue: Correspondance from Craiglist Ads: Winter 2020
Submissions in response to this post asked craigslist-ers to consider what community means to them. Each submission was replied to with permission to quote. A surprising pattern emerged that was unexpected in this electronic medium; authentic connection and vulnerable expression.
[sic] "DEAR GIRL, THANK YOU... I WAS BORN IN A FRENCH CATHOLIC COMMUNITY.... IMMIGRANTS IN A NEW WORLD... MY PARENTS , BOTH FROM CANADA CAME TO LEWISTON TO HELP WORK THE MILLS ... I HAVE MANY STORIES OF MY WORKING EIGHT HOUR SHIFTS AFTER SCHOOL IN 8 TH GRADE... AND SATURDAYS ... YOU WILL HAVE ALL YOU WANT FROM ME ... THE FRENCH CANADIANS BUILT LEWISTON'S MILLS IN THE WAR YEARS .... HERE IS A SAMPLE OF THE PEOPLE I MET WORKING THE MILL, NIGHT SHIFT AFTER SCHOOL.... SHURE I WOULD TALK TO YOU ... SAY WHEN ... "
"My story is too profound to be shared thoughtlessly. Some of us live our whole lives secluded in our communities, some of us take part in events far greater than ourselves.
We live, without knowing why or how, relative to the scope of our perception.
All perfectly imperfect versions or ourselves, all part of a global community of humans that are now (for the first time in our known existence) aware of exactly how small we really are.
My life has taken me through an epic journey. I've seen some of the best and worst of war, love, hate, natural disasters, institutionalized neglect, corruption, selflessness, God and fear.
I am overwhelmed in attempting to tell my story on my own. If you're doing the right thing with these stories I'd like to talk about what that is."
-Anonymous Contributor
To read "Androscoggin Mill: The Fixer" please click here.
1) Community is dialogue of groups of people cooperatively developing substantial themes.
2) Stories of life learning, maturing, shedding outworn habits, mending damage, general awakening, and historic and social themes are the core of dialogue.
3) Community in this media-cult society is rare, with people very isolated and clinging to so-called virtual communities which are just addictive corporate distrations. Real community is any dialogue developed with friends near and far.
4) Community is as basic to life as breathing. This includes personal, general, and global themes.
- Waves
"A good Community is a place where THERE'S JUSTICE.is a happy Community.. people care. People Offer. To Help .or a ride. Or. Get you out if a jam or shovel out your car. peace of mind. And No fear ... eveyone Being nice to neighbors.. but When your in big city. People get away with more. They're paid off crooked. No respect. . No judgement.. fair treatment for all. no bias ..no games. Everyone feels welcome."
- Happy