should a community have a right to expect certain things of its members?

Question

what things might those be? (hint: think behaviors, skills, attitudes, loyalty... what goes into the making of a community? how is a community different from a collection?)

and in turn, what things should individuals expect to gain from being a member of a community? why?

Answer 1

A community should expect no more from its members than it is willing to return. That is to say, qualities of mercy, loyalty, honesty, justice and other civilized behaviours associated with a commonwealth of citizenry must be demonstrated consistently by both the individual member and the collective membership. There can be no double standards, no playing favourites, no evidence of the Orwellian doctrine of all members being equal but some being more equal than others. Anything less is a sham and a disgrace.

As to what goes into the making of a community, properly speaking, it is generally a group of people with common interests (social, economic, political, etc.) investing in something larger than themselves; in essence, a society. The principle distinction between a community and a collection is that the former suggests a definite sense of purpose, a commitment to living and working together for the greater good. The latter could be almost anything that just happens to be gathered (collected) together. It may share common goals but then again it just as easily may not.

Membership in a community usually provides the individuals involved with security, stability, socialization and a whole host of economic and political benefits (employment, housing, representation, etc.). It is that very sense of shared concerns and principles that doubtless led humankind to form communities. Safety (and strength) in numbers and such. I could go on but this would soon turn into a dissertation and put everyone (including the author) to sleep. Good question, though.

Answer 2

Geezzz,this is 5 questions in 1.

As I'm looking at the word community,before answering this,I see 'commune' which led to me thinking, 'communism'. And then looking further at the word in its 2 parts,it is Comm-Unity. Just interesting I thought. Interesting word.

Expect? No,I don't think a community has the right to Expect anything from me or anyone else. So I can't answer the second question because I think that behaviors and loyalty and skills and attitudes are all part of each individual person. Some people have more to offer than others and some can't offer anything.

I think that a community is built on regulations and ordinances that specify what you can and can't do in your neighborhood. Such as if you want to have a fire-pit in your back yard...it has to be so many feet from this and that! (I have the right to get an ATTITUDE about that ordinance though! :)
City counsel members and the Mayor are in charge of the city,which breaks down to the community which breaks down to the neighborhood. I think if you have the right people for these jobs that it creates a good,safe and healthy environment for the community.

Not quite sure I understand what you mean about the differences between a collection and a community. I see it as similar. A community has set rules and regulations,but the people are who they are.
In a collection of people,they are still themselves. Each their own individuals,doing their own things. I think it would get pretty mundane if we all acted and thought alike,don't you?

I don't expect to gain anything from my community. It offers what it offers and I can either take advantage of those opportunities or not. It is a choice not something that is expected.
Hope this answers your question. I'm still wondering who came up with the word community.

Answer 3

A community is a social contract. Only a community that founded itself on the principle that it could expect things of its members reasonably can. If you force members who did not willingly join a community to follow the community's rules, then it is not a community but a government. Communities are always voluntary. People usually join them because as a group we are stronger than as individuals. The things that are most necessary for a community are respect and justice.

Members of a collection of people don't necessarily have any contract or relationship with one another.

Answer 4

Certain communities should expect it's members to act a certain way. A community can't expect it's members to completely let them rule their lives but if you have a neighborhood with small children and workig famalies you should be able to tell people not to have all night kegers and not to drag race down the street. Some communities are stricter than others depending on the people who live. In general a community does have the right to ask you to comform somewhat to their values and not be a complete loon.

Answer 5

No, I shink a community shouldn't have a right to expect certain things of its members.

Answer 6

I think there are some general things a comminty can and should expect. One would be that all citizens should obey the laws and not become a problem for the rest.

Answer 7

depends on the community

Answer 8

yes, like don't make excessive noises at night. your neighbors have to sleep and go to work early the next day. and it wouldn't hurt to party in the morning. how will you feel if you're in their shoes and they kept you awake all nite?

Answer 9

No, it's fun to be the minority...