By Living Room Realty, July 22, 2020
Culture – “the arts and other manifestations of human intellectual achievement regarded collectively”
What exactly does that mean to us?
Who is us? Our community? What does “our” community culture look like then?
To me, when I think of community, I think about the people I’m with all the time – my coworkers, friends, family, and loved ones. In terms of culture, I think about our way of life, customs, and sometimes even shared values. Even though we all have different identities and are unique with different cultural backgrounds and thoughts, we are still united by one aligned culture and community – Portland’s Local Culture.
But what does that look like?
Maybe it’s the mom and pop shops with the friendliest staff in town who your family frequently visits every weekend and for some reason they know every detail about your life – even your previous ex partner with an accurate description of them.
Farmer’s markets in every district and neighborhood selling the freshest most pure fruits, veggies, and produce your family has been using for years now or even generations. Who doesn’t love yummy samples?
Bountiful parks, rivers, and hiking trails you and your friends and family frequently visit for that classic saturday outing…. Or at least frequently plan to visit but no one can be bothered waking up at 5am for a sunrise hike at Angel’s Rest.
Or – it’s the historical buildings like the Hollywood Theater, where we all can gather together and appreciate each other’s creations, achievements, efforts, and pushes for representation on the big screen. Places and moments like these become so ingrained in our minds because they provide unity, inclusivity, and a space for us to gather and appreciate each other’s presence.
So what does culture look like to you? Or even better, what would you want it to look like?
