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What's an aspect of life that's currently done privately that you think should be communalized? (lemmy.ml)

submitted 1 month ago by CraigOhMyEggo@lemmy.ml to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml

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A lot of the things we do on a daily or weekly basis have ways of doing them that can either be private or communal, some of these which we do not think to consider as having that characteristic.

For example, bathing in the Roman Empire used to be communal, but then Rome fell and citizens in the splinter countries began taking baths privately.

Receiving mail is another example. There are countries which don't have mailboxes and everyone gets their mail at the post office in the PO boxes. It was the United States which pioneered the idea of the modern mail system, which is why we associate it as a private act.

There are activities as well which don't have any history as jumping between one or the other that might benefit from it, for example I think towns might benefit if internet was free and freely accessible but only at the local library.

What's a non-communal aspect of life you think should be communal?

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[–] Commiunism@lemmy.wtf 9 points 1 month ago (2 children)

I'd say mail boxes, at least in the area where I live. Around 10 years ago, our neighborhood was mandated to have our own separate boxes for mail/newspaper next to our house, but before then you'd have one group box for the whole neighborhood, with separate sections for each house. It's much more efficient for delivering that way since you just go to one box rather than door to door, though it can be a bit annoying having to walk to the box every day to get your daily newspaper.

[–] frauddogg@hexbear.net 6 points 1 month ago

Having lived in a few places like that with group boxes, it contributes to a mild sense of community as well assuming you regularly see the same people. My mother used to go get her mail at the same time as a couple neighbors we had specifically because she'd met them picking up mail the first time.

[–] RoquetteQueen@sh.itjust.works 1 points 1 month ago

These are really common where I live but I've never had one. They'd be a nightmare for my forgetful ass. I'd never remember to check the mail. I already forget and my mailbox is next to my front door.