Forget MySpace—Neighbors Should Work on Our Space

One man tries to build community ... through sleepovers
By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff
Posted Jun 23, 2008 10:10 AM CDT
Forget MySpace—Neighbors Should Work on Our Space
Invisible lines seem to divide American neighborhoods.   (Shutterstock)

Feeling a disquieting disconnect, author Peter Lovenheim recounts his attempt to weave a neighborhood—one sleepover at a time. Americans interact with their neighbors less than ever, Lovenheim writes in the New York Times; by some estimates, the decline has been underway since 1950. So Lovenheim decided to get to know his neighbors by asking if he could sleep over in their homes.

“Why is it that in an age of cheap long-distance rates, discount airlines and the Internet, when we can create community anywhere, we often don’t know the people who live next door?” Lovenheim asks. "Probably we don’t need to sleep over; all it might take is to make a phone call, send a note, or ring a bell. Why not try it today?" (More neighbors stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X