NIMBY
Linda Soller | Jun 03, 2024
Reader: “I love nature. I love watching birds at my feeders. But how do I keep hawks out of my yard?”
Columnist: “If you want to keep hawks out of your yard try wind chimes. Hawks don’t like the ringing…”
Me: If you love nature and birds, why do you want to scare off the hawks? My Answer – NIMBY
NIMBY is new to me. Not the concept but the actual abbreviation. It stands for “not in my backyard”. Clearly illustrated above. The reader “loves nature and birds” but does not want hawks in her backyard. It might also be called “selective concern.” In more serious situations it could be considered a form of discrimination. Other examples may be more easily recognized. A town plans to build a shelter for families in need. The community is excited until it’s time to actually decide on a location. Suddenly those who wanted to help their neighbors only want to help if it’s done from a distance. That’s a NIMBYism (I want to help but on my terms.) Often this reaction comes from misinformation. Supporters of the shelter may not have provided all the pros and cons for each location. Some citizens have heard bad things about shelters, while others just can’t let go of the status quo. Instead of a shelter it may be a bus stop, or a metro station, a traffic light, or a drive-thru restaurant under consideration. The answer is often the same. I want it but NIMBY. The message is clear. You don’t really want the solution if it’s going to be a headache/inconvenience for you. Okay so maybe the drive-thru is a stretch, but I think you understand.
To truly help others we must be well informed, open minded, and committed to the need for a solution.
Columnist: “…mind you, if the hawks leave your yard, you may see an increase in rats, voles, snakes, mice, etc. You may have an increase in Owls which hunt at night and can be loud. Most of all as a person who loves nature and birds, I remind you to remember the value of diversity.”
Me: She does value diversity, JNIHBY (just not in her backyard!).
Be kind, be brave, have faith! : ) Linda
