How Can We Make Capitol Hill (& The World) A Friendlier Place?

My thoughts about promoting change in people I pass in my neighborhood on Capitol Hill, involve making it visible to those I interact with that I'm not just being socially aggressive by saying “Hello,” but that this is part of a bigger effort to promote neighborly social interactions.

There is a French term “anomie” (also spelled “anomy”) that I think helps explain what underlies the lack of social interactions I experience.

Here's what the Oxford dictionary says about anomie:

"lack of the usual social or ethical standards in an individual or group."

eg: "the theory that high-rise architecture leads to anomie in the residents"

Vague forces in our modern urban life have produced the cold street interactions that have become all too common. To counteract those forces, we need to focus on what is going on and make clear what vision we have for enriching our daily urban interactions.

Here's how I've started off normalizing my aggressive hellos – I've made this large badge that I wear when walking in my neighborhood

I think this helps normalize my behavior by explaining that it's connected to a larger movement. If my “Hello” leads to more interaction with a neighbor, I'm also carrying a small handout, also shown with the badge, that has the address of this blog, so those interested can read more about my initial efforts, comment and add their ideas.

Let me ask twice – please leave your comments and suggestions about how we might “Make Capitol Hill & the World A Friendlier Place!”