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Ramblings and Langley


I’ve been thinking a lot lately about people and the way they are effected by their environment - the prevailing culture . Almost every personality wants to fit in with others thus they quickly conform to the behaviour patterns they witness around them . Here in the Pacific Northwest they really do seem to follow the golden rule - Treat others as you would want them to treat you . They always seem to have time for each other . This is self reinforcing , If you are good to others in your daily dealings that goodness really does spread around and even from a selfish point of view , in a small community , it will be passed back to you eventually .
In the anonymity of a big city however this is not directly true . As people have smaller communities ( i.e. family , friends ,neighbourhoods ,clubs , societies etc.) within the larger ones ( Wheels within wheels ) behaviour patterns conditioned in these more personal environments are continued into the bigger ones thus there is still a culture of selflessness throughout . This is why the family ( community ) is so important to the overall fabric of society . Without that closeness where people feed of each others goodness copy it and in a strange way even compete to outdo each others kindness self centred antisocial behaviour can take root , flourish and become dominant . Badness is also passed around . In gangs members of that specific type of community may spread kindness within the group but to others outside the gang they will compete to outdo each other in badness and their cruel disregard of outsiders .
That is why it is so very important to have overlapping links between communities . I don’t know how it is but generally here in the States from my observation for such a large and diverse country they have so far managed a pretty good job of pulling of this remarkable feat .
You only have to turn on the news , however , to see it is not universal.
In my humble opinion to prevent the spread of antisocial behaviour one clarification to the golden rule should be “ treat people who have done wrong in the way you would expect to be treated if you had behaved as they have done . If badness is not rooted out it can spread rapidly and too become self reinforcing .
Back from my ramblings . There is something special about locations especially those with definite boundaries , Islands . In my view these specifically defined places greatly aid with reinforcing good communities . Once you cross a bridge you know where you are and quickly conform to the norms there . This is very true of the Isle of Wight , though in town people less commonly stop and greet strangers whereas where I live barely 100 yards from the main road they do .
Whidbey Island is also - possibly even more , so a magical place which casts its spell on its human inhabitants .

Today I checked out Oak Harbor which is trying to upgrade but , in my view is far too widespread and has no heart or center . It is too diverse for a strong healthy community spirit to develop . In 20 years it might be great and rival Anacortes - It could be just the same or worse .
Langley , however has a truly great human scale heart . Prince Charles would adore it as will my wife
Having slept on it among the tall pines of South Whidbey State Park I can say that it is my favourite place
It is a short free bus ride from the ferry and thence less than one hour to down town Seattle and all it has to offer , but has a worlds apart small town strong community feel . Check out the pics. ( here )
Check out their website ( here )
I will defiantly return even if only to shop for tactile handmade craft works in the “ Celtic Viking “
( website here )

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