Robert Putnam became famous with his book, "Bowling Alone". In that book, this sociologist noted that our citizenship behavior was eroding by the fast life-style that left no time for civic activities, including social activities that bonded us to others in the community.
In his recent work, he looked at the phenomenon of increased diversity within urban America. While diversity has been advocated as a means of increasing our capacity to bond with others who come from different backgrounds, what he found was the opposite was occurring. The differences among people were barriers to behaviors that are associated with helping one another.
Since this is a sociological study, he is only reflecting the results of his research. Diversity can still be positive, but apparently the positive behaviors do not happen automatically. We have to work to connect with others. One way to do this is to identify with the political process. Becoming a participant in the advocacy of political agendas that promote the common good will contribute to the civic bonding that was historically a characteristic of our nation.
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