I hear people say “We need a place like in CHEERS, ‘Where everybody knows your name'”.
No, we don’t!
We’ve got plenty of those already. They are for bonding and lead to community fragmentation. We need bridging places, where you can go and make new friends, not just see your old ones. Where you can talk face to face and not rant or copy/paste. Where talking leads to understanding. Where everybody learns your name.
Places where hospitality is as important as the food.
This is the story of the closing night of one such restaurant, the Wild Hive Cafe. It’s sad because it had to happen, but inspiring because it happened in the first place.
As you watch this film, keep in mind another unique bridging function. The Hudson Valley, where this took place, touts its many farm-to-table restaurants. But The Wild Hive Cafe took it one step further — it brought farmers-to-table! See if you can spot them.
One of the great disappointments of our digital age is social media.
We have surrendered control over our communication to algorithms—systems created not with human connection in mind, but by misanthropic programmers who often seem indifferent, if not hostile, to the social fabric. Even people who shun platforms like Facebook or TikTok because they find them toxic are still affected by the broader consequences of these systems. Simply opting out doesn’t any problems.
In a functioning democracy, difference can be explored, not avoided.
People need meaningful control over how they communicate and engage with others. They need to discover whether they’re in the same boat, even when they disagree. There must be some response to the ancient realization: there but for the grace of God go I. What is it like to be you?
Today, the algorithm—shaped by socially disconnected tech nerds—has become our ringmaster. And we’re left as spectators in a digital sideshow.
In a democracy, people do not need to wall themselves off from each other; they need public spaces where they can build bridges.
DEMOCRACY can be fun!!!
Bridging can be fun!
Two crucial features: U shaped bar and round tables!
Wherfe everyone LEARNS. your name
THE BRIDGE UNDER