How to Deal With Rural-Urban Divide

Urban dwellers are often not respectful of rural people, and folks living in rural areas are frequently suspicious and distrustful of people who live in the city. Unfortunately, such erroneous beliefs often cause clashes not only in relating to people on a one-to-one basis, but can affect policy-making on a governmental level.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Ask your rural or urban acquaintances about what concerns them and be willing to open a dialogue. It will be a learning experience for both of you. Realize that rural people are not out of touch with what's happening in the world. They have access to radio, television, newspapers and Internet and are just as informed about current events, pop culture and social issues as people living in metropolitan areas are.
2. Understand that not all urban dwellers are wealthy, arrogant and unfriendly. They can be just as neighborly and helpful as small-town people. Next time you walk down a city street, smile and say hello to people. You may be pleasantly surprised.
3. Realize that city dwellers don't spend half of their time stuck in traffic or that all they care about are their high-powered careers. City people are just as involved in community and family as their rural counterparts. Be willing to consider their knowledge and experience.
   
   
4. Work together on common issues with a goal towards compromise and agree on what is best for the good of all. Realize that rural and urban communities both have problems. Many of those problems may be different, but often, they are surprisingly the same.
5. Maintain an open dialogue about the concerns that affect both groups, such as the environment and the economy. This communication and understanding will smooth the way to reach decisions that are acceptable to all.
   
   
6. Keep in mind that both groups may indeed have different background, lifestyles and varied beliefs. Respect the thoughts and opinions of others and don't be afraid to engage in dialogue that will make life richer for both.
7. Approach one another with openness and a willingness to listen, and realize that it's okay to "agree to disagree." Varied backgrounds and experiences only add more depth to any shared discussion or political process.