What happens to a world that is completely void of physical human contact? More and more we are starting to see this “Asimov” concept play out. As I type this on my computer, to send to the anonymous world of readers, I see how easy it is to get trapped. The article “why we must save black bookstores” struck a strong chord with me. I am from a single parent home, in a 99% african american community. Libraries, bookstores, and community centers were staples in my life. I went there to “stay out of trouble,” learn of my heritage, and talk about issues of the day. In many ways, these places were my first trip around the world. I learned more about my culture on a global level, more about what it means to connect to people, and how and where I could do research to find out even more information. These places taught me about life. As we advance, as technology shows us a million possibilities, there is a cosntant fear that should be present: can we come together as people if we continue to grow closer to technology? Now, I am not a technophobe. I have friends and family all over the world, and I love that I can talk to them on a regular basis. However, B&N.com, Amazon, etc. make book culture much more allusive. I can save gas, time, and patience by buying books online. Why would I ever want to leave the house?!?! This article shows us why we should. Without bookstores and libraries we lose the places that root us to one another. We lose the places that we can go to talk about issues important to our communities; not just African-Americans but all people who strive for knowledge, empowerment, and unity. These places are dying; and until we can learn to shake off the laziness, desire more community engagement, and value face-to-face interaction, we as a nation will always be divided. Our constant need, and the current ease, of staying in our own bubble is what allows hate, division, and ignorance to persist. Visit a bookstore in your community, buy something, it could literally change our lives.
Article link by:By R. L’Heureux Lewis-McCoy, PhD
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