Opinion: 'Tis season to be more neighborly

You rake your leaves and wake up the next morning only to see more on your lawn. You look to your neighbor’s lawn and realize their leaves have found their way onto your lawn. You say to yourself, “If only they would rake their leaves, my yard would be fine.”

How do we approach this situation? Do we let our frustration boil up? Do we talk to them about it? Do we simply stop talking to our neighbor altogether? Or do we offer to rake our neighbor’s yard?

I prefer the last option. After all, I am a product of the 1970s, the time in which we watched “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” He would often ask, “Won’t you be my neighbor?” It was his way of saying that being a good neighbor was our responsibility.

During that decade, we looked at our neighbors as an extension of our family. Our neighbors inspired certain attitudes and behaviors. I recall having a conversation with my father decades ago on the subject. I told him a neighbor was only someone who lived next to you, but my father had a broader view. He said everyone on the block and in the entire community was our neighbor — hence the term “neighborhood.” That taught me that I was accountable for my actions in the house and in the neighborhood because my parents, in some respects, viewed the community members as a part of our family.

Wouldn’t it be nice to return to those days when we felt accountable to those who lived near us? Sadly, only 57% of Americans know some of their neighbors, a 2018 Pew Research Center survey found. Only about a quarter of Americans say they know most of their neighbors.

When data is separated by age, it tells a story as to why we may see more violence in some communities among our youth and young adults. Only 20% for Americans 18 to 29 years old report knowing most of their neighbors, compared with 34% of those 65 years old and older.

In the community where I grew up, we had quite a few block clubs. They provided avenues and opportunities for neighbors to interact, communicate and build lasting relationships.

This is a far cry from what is taking place in far too many communities now. From teen takeovers that result in the vandalism of businesses and vehicles, to smash-and-grab episodes perpetuated by far too many of our youths, how our youths define being neighborly is quite different than how it was viewed decades ago.

Unfortunately, we often look for answers outside of the community to address some of the things we can change and improve on our own. In “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” he would visit local businesses and talk to people in the community. He would reassure our youths that they were valued. Where is that nowadays?

We can chart a new course by being more neighborly this holiday season. So instead of getting upset or disappointed if your neighbors don’t shovel their snow or rake their leaves, ask if they need help. Offer to be of service. While being kind is free, the benefits are priceless.

Jerald McNair is a Chicago school administrator and writes for the Chicago Tribune.