Tight Clans in the Big City
Recently, in the Daily, I read a column about so-called "Urban Tribes." The more I think about it, the more sense it makes in relation to my friends and I. (Ironically enough, the author of that column got the idea from an article in a different publication) However, I think the description of urban tribes is a little too generalized. While I am part of a few tight groups and can definitely recognize one as my "main tribe," many of them are linked together, and some amazing networking has occurred. So, while I realize that in large cities, people can tend towards creating small, close groups, the fact is, larger cities also offer incredible networking, and, in such large places, it is nearly impossible for a group of people to become entirely separated from others.
Here is a great example:
A close friend from my hometown also goes to the U of M (L). One of the first weekends here, L mentioned that she wanted to go clubbing. I knew some people that intending to go that night, so I suggested that we go along. At the club, L started dancing with a guy (J), who goes to Augsburg. L and J started dating shortly after (and still are going out). A week or two after they had been dating, L promised J, as well as our mutual male friend (D) that she would hang out that weekend. To eliminate the awkward situation that could occur, I came along for dinner and dancing. We introduced J and D, who then realized that they had a ton in common. Also, J needed a singer for his band, and D is an excellent singer. Now, they are in a band together. Shortly after that, J and D’s band entered a battle of the bands. After winning the battle of the bands, J had a party at his apartment with D, L, me, a female friend of his from Augsburg (M), and L’s female friend from the U of M (K). There were some other people there, of course, but anyway, J, D and I became friends with K, and L, D, and I became friends with M. A week ago, I went to a concert with K and L, as well as others, and last weekend was spend with K, L, M, and I having a girls’ night along with a few others and going to a show, and then visiting J, and Saturday, J, L, M and I all went to a party together. A few days before, I happened to hear about a show from some other people, and got J and D’s band, which was looking for shows, booked for it. (As a side note, I should mention that The Bakery Band is playing a benefit concert for Habitat for Humanity on April 4th at the Steak Knife. I feel that since this is an architecture blog, and it is an architecturally-related charity show, that this is not shameless advertising)
If you followed that all, congratulations. Anyhow, while it is possible (and amazingly fun) to have a close group of friends in a large city, some amount of networking is necessary to create such a group. Also, it is extremely beneficial for everyone if all tribal members to have outside friends and contacts. While I realize that this is not directly related to architecture, these groups really would not be created without the architecture and social movements that have created large cities. I guess this just goes to prove, once again, that architecture relates to everything.
Also, here is the link for the Daily Article--http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2008/02/08/72165447