Opinion Piece by Stacy Torres, SWS Member
“Some people seek a bar or nature hike when they feel low. I go to the supermarket.
My spirits lift as I stroll the aisles. I bop along to easy listening music. Exchanging pleasantries with cashiers lessens my loneliness. I celebrate the small wins — I procured broccoli (OK, and ice cream) — and leave with renewed purpose.
As someone with depression, I find that brick-and-mortar businesses help me avoid isolation by providing a space to be alone with others. But my happy places — supermarkets and pharmacies — say they have seen increasing theft and violence.”
To view the full article, please visit: https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2023-08-09/supermarkets-grocery-stores-community-security-retail-theft.
Hi, thank you for sharing your heartfelt perspective on the changing dynamics of your ‘happy places.’ As you mentioned, supermarkets and pharmacies have played a crucial role in alleviating your feelings of loneliness and providing a sense of connection. Could you elaborate on how you believe the increasing security measures, such as locking up detergents, have affected not only your personal experience but also the broader sense of community and solace that these spaces used to offer? How do you think these changes reflect larger societal shifts, and what strategies do you think could help preserve the role of such spaces for individuals who rely on them for emotional well-being?