BUILDING FOR SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY - Kennedy Bibliothek

Part One
INDICATIONS OF CHANGE
Resurgence of Sub-Cultures and Local Identities
22. In recent years much of this has begun to change. A worldwide reaction
against sameness is beginning to find expression. People in many
countries and cities are articulating a local need for identity, for a
sense of "place", "belonging" and "focus".
23. Sub-cultures and ethnic groups are beginning to emerge once again,
often with considerable political vigour and cultural sophistication.
There is a clear pattern of connection between the macro-scale and microscale
expressions of this drive for personal identity and focus. The number
of independent nations has tripled since World War II. The fragmentation
of international blocs and hegemonies continues. Countries like
Great Britain, once the center of a tightly knit worldwide commonwealth
of nations, has not only experienced irresistable national independence
movements within its federation, but is today experiencing strong subnational
political and cultural conflicts in Wales, Scotland and Ireland.
In Canada the French Canadians talk of secession. Ethnicity is a new and
powerful awareness in the United States, a nation forged of immigrants from
just about every country and culture in the world. What began in the
1960's as a "black is beautiful" movement among American negroes locked in
the civil rights struggle has now broadened, into a growing recognition of
the pluralist social and sub-cultural character of every large city in the
country.
24. In its political structure, the United States has a long history of.
decentralization and local autonomy. • When the country fought its "War of
Independence" against Great Britain, the new republic was formed from independent
colonies which became "states". Today there are fifty states
in the union, each with its own house of representatives and senate.
Within each state there are countless cities, boroughs, townships and
other jurisdictions. Indeed the essence of American public life is that
of a "willing federation" of parts. One might not find it surprising
therefore that a resurgence of local sub-cultural identities would occur
strongly in the United States.
151