In the mid-20th century, the Soviet Union had an ambitious plan for designing the perfect city – one that would be both efficient and convenient. The idea was to create a utopia where everything you needed was just a short walk away. But what they got instead was a concrete jungle that drove people to the brink of despair.
Soviet blocks, as they were called, were massive concrete apartment buildings that could house tens of thousands of people. They were designed to be self-contained, with grocery stores, schools, and hospitals all located within the complex. On paper, it sounded like a dream come true – no more commuting, no more traffic, and no more urban sprawl. But in reality, it was a nightmare.
Suicide rates in the Soviet Union were the highest ever recorded, and the Soviet blocks were a major factor in that statistic. People living in these soulless concrete jungles felt trapped and isolated, with no escape from the monotony of their lives. Alcohol and drugs were the only way out for many, as they sought to numb themselves to the reality of their existence.
But it wasn’t just the psychological toll that the Soviet blocks took on their inhabitants – it was also the loss of freedoms and liberties that had been guaranteed by Russia’s ancient constitution. Under Soviet rule, the people were left defenseless, with no way to fight back against the tyranny of the state. It was like living in a kill box with no escape.
Today, there is a new urban planning concept called the 15 minute city. It promises convenience and efficiency, just like the Soviet blocks did. But we must be careful not to repeat the mistakes of the past. We must not sacrifice diversity and vibrancy for the sake of convenience. We must not trade our freedom for a short walk to the grocery store.
Absolutely agree Graham, though on the housing estate where I live I once had access to various retail facilities which included, two public houses, a supermarket, post office, laundrette, chemist, newsagents, vegetable store, bakery, fish and chip shop which also sold Chinese takeaway food, a betting office and a hairdresser cum barber. Aside from the supermarket and a Chemist, including a chicken shop which opened a couple of years ago, all other retail facilities have closed. Not only because of Councils idea to regenerate the Estate and demolish a good part of it, but because retailers couldn’t compete with corporates in and around and wider parts of the district. The existing supermarket has no competition, so its prices have risen considerably and goods often unaffordable to many.
However, I welcomed the opportunity to be able to shop locally if I chose to do so and feel sure that many other people did so to. I did not need to use my vehicle on a daily basis, thus reducing my ‘carbon footprint’, albeit unconsciously. However, if wanting to shop locally now for similar type of goods and services, I am forced to use my vehicle. I have disabilities which restrict how far I am able to walk, so I do not do so. However, there is a marked difference between my making a choice about using my vehicle or walking, than being expected to comply with unlawful commands and would vehemently object to a Council believing it has responsibility to ‘improve my health’ by means which it dictates.
The Utopian dream is always outlined to be sold to the people but in reality this article says it all, if it was Utopia why doesn’t the Elite parasites in the world live here instead of living in their palaces & country homes surrounded by thousands of acres of nature. We are part of nature & nature is part of us so we must protect it at all costs or we could destroy ourselves. Nature makes us happy as it’s high vibrational & so are we.