Brand Danger SignI grew up on a small farm, outside of a small town, in a small county. Anytime someone from outside the area reports on it, the word “depressed” is typically used — and typically — more than once. While we now live in the metro area of Philadelphia, I still identify with my hometown. I had a great childhood — one that I wouldn’t change for all the money in the world — and I simply want the same for my son. I lived in the same house — built by my grandfather and with no prior inhabitants– my entire childhood with parents that are still together after 42 years. In short, I had it lucky — and still do.

However, I don’t think this will play out the same for our son, and I wonder about the ramifications. Will he have the same sense of pride about where he grew up even though the sense of community is not quite as tight as a small town? Odds are good that we might move at some point while he is young — will this disrupt that sense of identity even more? Some of our neighbors have been in the neighborhood a long time, but a majority are more transient like us — especially those of us with kids.

In the end, is that identity even worth anything? I may identify with that community now, but if I didn’t have that community, I don’t think I would be that much different. The stability of my upbringing, regardless of location, most likely had the largest impact on who I am today, or at least think I am, so does the place where I grew up even matter?

I know it is lots of questions, and not a lot of answers — and I think the answer might not exist. Only time will tell.