A Real Challenge

In chapter 2, Peter Block discusses the idea of "Community as a Problem to Be Solved". With this idea Block begins to talk about setting reachable goals for the community, and with that, the achieved goal is then looked at as a blessing. I think that referring to problems as challenges, it allows community members to look at what can be done and overcome, rather then what is almost impossible. In my opinion, this is a good way to boost the morale of the people around you; for teachers the students around you. Although I think this is a great idea, realistically, I believe this to be almost impossible due to the mentality of society today.

For some time now, children have been raised with the mentality of "one man for himself". This selfish, greedy idea of living has, for the most part, become a definite reality. How can a group of people come together to overcome obstacles laid before them in life if they are constantly stuck in a mode of independency? When teaching a community of students, how is it possible for them to come together and achieve one goal when they are being graded individually? Life seems to create this illusion of community by saying work together; the underlying meaning however tends to be focused on competition.

Challenges for a community are a great thing and can really work wonders when the pressure to achieve individually is lifted. It is understood that competition and independence are needed in order for a democracy to be successful. Don't get me wrong, I'm no communist, but it seems to me that people are shouting "Community! Community!", when in reality, they have a game-plan of their own. Goals can only be achieved when people truly come together.