In the ongoing narrative of sustainability and community, there's an ironic twist that often goes unnoticed. It's a common belief among liberals that densely populated cities are the epitome of sustainable living and community cohesion. They champion vegetarian and vegan diets, advocating for 'healthy' and 'sustainable' food choices. Yet, the conservatives, often associated with rural, small-town USA, are closer to the source of fresh, locally-grown food.
Farmers and hunters, typically residing in these small towns, are the ones who truly eat fresh. They cultivate their crops, raise their livestock, and hunt their game. Their food doesn't need to travel hundreds of miles to reach their plate, reducing carbon emissions and supporting local ecosystems.
On the other hand, despite their high-density living and public transportation, cities tend to be the most consumeristic and communally disconnected. The cost of living in cities is significantly higher, making everything more expensive. This high cost of living often leads to increased consumption and waste, undermining the very principles of sustainability.
Moreover, the sense of community often promised by city living can be elusive. With the hustle and bustle of city life, individuals can feel isolated despite being surrounded by thousands of people. The high crime rates in cities further exacerbate this sense of isolation and fear, contrasting sharply with small towns' relative safety and peace.
In contrast, small towns offer a quieter lifestyle, where everyone knows their neighbors, and community events are a regular occurrence. This brings to mind the recent controversial country song "Try That In A Small Town" by Jason Aldean. The song, which some interpret as promoting self-policing and vigilante justice in small towns, underscores these areas' strong sense of community. The lyrics suggest that in small towns, people look out for each other and won't tolerate behavior that disrupts the peace.
The irony is palpable. The very places often criticized for their perceived lack of progressiveness are the ones that embody the principles of sustainability and community. It's time to challenge the dominant narratives and encourage critical thinking about the forces that shape our world.
Isn't it ironic, don't you think?"
A remake sung to the tune of Ironic by Alanis Morissette:
Hey, yeah, yeah
Yeah, ah-ah-ah, yeah
A city man turned ninety-eight
He sought community but found it too late
It's a high-rise in your countryside view
It's a city's promise that just wasn't true
And isn't it ironic?
Don't you think?
It's like smog on your clear sky day
It's a crowded bus when you've already found your way
It's the urban myth that you just didn't take
And who would've thought? It figures
Mr. Urban-Dream was afraid to sow
He packed his suitcase and kissed his loft goodbye
He waited his whole damn life to embrace that life
And as the city lights dimmed
He thought, "Well, isn't this nice?"
And isn't it ironic?
Don't you think?
It's like smog on your clear sky day
It's a crowded bus when you've already found your way
It's the urban myth that you just didn't take
And who would've thought? It figures
Life has a funny way of showing you the truth
When you think you've left the roots, but they're under your boot
It's a free ride when you've already paid
It's the good advice that you just didn't take
Who would've thought? It figures
Hey, yeah, yeah
Yeah, ah-ah-ah, yeah
A farmer man turned ninety-eight
He loved his land, but they called it real estate
It's a green bill in your organic stew
It's the country's promise that just wasn't true
And isn't it ironic?
Don't you think?
It's like rain on your harvest day
It's a quiet lane when you've already lost your way
It's the rural myth that you just didn't take
And who would've thought? It figures
Life has a funny way of sneaking up on you
Life has a funny, funny way of helping you out
Helping you out
And isn't it ironic?
Don't you think?
A little too ironic
And yeah, I really do think
It's like rain on your harvest day
It's a quiet lane when you've already lost your way
It's the rural myth that you just didn't take
Who would've thought? It figures
Hey, yeah, yeah
Yeah, ah-ah-ah, yeah
And life has a funny, funny way of helping you out
Helping you out.
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