The Broken Window Theory ~ Observations from the field

We both learned long ago about "the broken window theory" which purports "Neighborhoods with a strong sense of cohesion fix broken windows and assert social responsibility on themselves, effectively giving themselves control over their space." In other words, people that maintain their surroundings further a sense of community and common welfare. On the other hand, as the theory goes, when a community begins to ignore repairs (i.e. broken windows, graffiti etc.) the invisible "glue" that keeps a group cohesive and supportive begins to fall apart. 

As recently minted nomads, we truly believe that the journey can be just as fulfilling as the destination - so we do our best to remain present as we travel. During a recent road trip, we had occasion to witness how this concept of physical order is linked to a sustainable community.  One of our first stops was Stillwater, Oklahoma where we always stay at the Home2 Suites, an extended stay hotel that always provides a top notch staff, from the front desk to the cleaning crew.  A bright and comfortable lobby and well maintained rooms where repairs are promptly attended to. 

Definitely not a comforting vibe in our room!

Our travels took us south to Alexandria, and it was there that we began to notice the beginnings of the broken window syndrome. The La Quinta hotel had a bright, welcoming energy in the lobby and the clerk was attentive and upbeat. Clearly, it had been a well maintained establishment. But the cracks of disrepair were showing...our room's security latch was literally torn from the door (and still hanging there) and the freezer was so iced over that the door wouldn't completely shut, rendering the refrigerator useless. Breakfast was spartan to say the least, not at all welcoming. 

We continued on to one of our bucket list stops, the Tabasco sauce factory on Avery Island. Despite the devastation of hurricane Ida the grounds and complex were meticulously - not only the factory, but all the surrounding gardens and shops. The pride of this family owned company was evident at every touch point. No broken windows anywhere on this property!

We then spent time in Houma and the surrounding area. Our hotel there was the most expensive room booking we had on our trip, mainly because all the surrounding hotels were completely sold out - not because of tourism but the mass of tradesmen that were working on projects in the area. In fact, we sort felt like we were in a workers camp, with the crews staying up late, congregating in their rooms and drinking beer late into the evening (evidenced by the empty beer cases in the hallways in the morning).

We visited in neighborhoods we were familiar with, but we now encountered a low energy vibe and disrepair - actually more akin to despair, even seven months after the storm. The devastation from Hurricane Ida was still very evident; piles of debris where there had once been homes, blue tarped roofs, twisted fences and incongruent small RV trailers that served as temporary accommodations courtesy of FEMA. Of course, a shortage of supplies contributed to the lack of repairs, but it was more than that - it was as if the neighborhoods had been abandoned though people lived there. It was like we were in a bubble, surrounded by mayhem and chaos.  And... plenty of broken windows. Caring and pride were not at all evident, very different from other trips.

Lobby lights - 
not your typical
roadside hotel!

Making our way back north, we stayed at a Drury Inn in Cape Girardeau, MO where we were greeted by a smiling front desk clerk and an invitation to attend their "kicking back" happy hour complete with complementary drinks, hot food and friendly attendants.  The contrast was evident, the hotel was immaculate, staff greeting us at every turn and sent off with a hot breakfast in the morning. 

Maybe because of the variety of physical environments we traveled through on this road trip, we began to realize the direct correlation to vibrant communities - and and the vibrations of the people in them. With that realization came a renewed determination to find ways to add to the restoration of life around us - to reverse, and more importantly take the preventative steps to safe guard against the broken window syndrome creeping it's way into our lives.

And we also have renewed appreciation for Windex - and the opportunity it provides to view our world through cleaner and clearer panes of positive perspectives!