I was raised in Scotland, South Dakota. I remember so many things of growing up in that area. From playing baseball and football. Going to school. Mowing lawns to get my first guitar. My first girlfriend. A ton of things that at the time seemed very trivial. My one hope was that some day, I would move some where and become a famous songwriter or musician. So out of high school, I moved to Memphis. Almost the opposite of Scotland. If you haven’t been there, it is a city that never rests. It has the population of the entire state South Dakota times ten. And people pretty much stick to their own. It was a huge cultural shock that I couldn’t imagine.
It did show me the things I took for granted though. I was always the person that felt I needed to wave or say hi to people even if I didn’t know them. I was the person to stop to help a stranger. I always seen people as all having their problems, they just may need some help. I took for granted that it was like that every were. I took for granted that people help people. No matter where they are. I soon found out this wasn’t the case. So I missed it. And I really can’t imagine being here without it.
In more recent years, I have been told this pattern has changed. And I feel like I’m in Memphis all over again. It’s strange to hear this is happening. What happened to the small town vibe were every one supported one another? Every one looked out for the others. No matter your thoughts, words, beliefs, political standing, sex or religion. What happened that this changed?
Where we would go just to check on our neighbors. To hang out and talk. To go to our family’s house because it was their turn to cook supper. We went to watch the game, just because it’s the home team.
We didn’t get told that guns were bad in school. Because my teacher was a gunsmith. And we were all going pheasant hunting later.
People supported each other because it was the right thing to do. Every one was part of the family. We didn’t have to like each other, but we respected each other. And even though we may have had different views, we could shake hands and agree to disagree.
The days of these things are long past though right? Just a pipe dream. Never to be seen again. The people in small towns are all very bitter bleak creatures that do nothing, but stare at TV’s and phones.
This is what I hear people say anyways. I personally, disagree. I have heard all these things. But if you would, let me tell you what I see.
I see towns that are starving for you to come out and volunteer and see several people that still do. I see people on Facebook reaching out their hands and hearts because some one is having problems in life. I still see the home team is playing and needs your support. I see family’s reaching out and want to meet new people if you let them. And fishing and hunting are still South Dakota traditions. So what has changed?
We are all by nature, social creatures. We crave attention and human interaction. Whether people want to admit that or not. You can’t help it. It’s ingrained in you. And small town’s thrive on that.
On the same note. There are things that can give you that same “feeling”. In the age of social media, TV, and internet, we feel like our opinion can be heard. We can be surrounded by our own kind. Our feelings can be pushed. And we only have to convince this one idiot that he’s wrong and our life will be complete.
This isn’t the case though. There is no way to get that human interaction without human interaction. And a quick reality check will show you that no one on this planet will ever see things the way you do through your eyes. So learn that you will always be different from every one else’s thought’s. That doesn’t make you or them any better or worse. Only unable to see the world the way you do.
In short, small towns haven’t changed. The people haven’t changed. Just maybe our perception has though. Just maybe the person that we need to point to for “the good old days” is looking at us in a mirror. To bring more helping, caring, love and unity back from the dead.
I have to admit. The more I realize this, the more I see that things can not only be like they used to be, but better. There is absolutely nothing to lose. Because just maybe, we are the good that we want to see in life. Maybe the small town people, are in you?
I’m not a huge musician yet. Maybe that day is coming. Maybe it isn’t. That doesn’t mean I will love South Dakota small town’s any less.
What do you think? Are people officially hopeless? Do you see people doing their part that need recognition? Are you already doing everything possible? I would love to hear from you. Subscribe and share if you like this or any of my other articles. See you soon.
Katy
jeremy.bertrand1978