We are very much in alignment. I wish there were more folks that think the way you do -- then we might actually find good solutions to these issues.
I am one of those suburban kids, but thankfully as an adult I've learned how important community is, and I've been in search of it ever since. You've hit the nail on the head with the baggage that comes with cultural traditions. That's one of the things that makes finding community very difficult.
I honestly think kids these days view online communities as the most important, since they have much more freedom to "go there" and meet others without the restrictions of having mom drop them off, or even more broadly, without the geographical restrictions they might have. Unfortunately, online communities can't make up for face-to-face bonding, affection, or support.
I am one of those suburban kids, but thankfully as an adult I've learned how important community is, and I've been in search of it ever since. You've hit the nail on the head with the baggage that comes with cultural traditions. That's one of the things that makes finding community very difficult.
I honestly think kids these days view online communities as the most important, since they have much more freedom to "go there" and meet others without the restrictions of having mom drop them off, or even more broadly, without the geographical restrictions they might have. Unfortunately, online communities can't make up for face-to-face bonding, affection, or support.