Centennials Table Topics

Table Topic questions are meant to stimulate family and classroom discussion. Use the questions below after reading,"Growing up, apart."

During the '70s, people were leaving the city for the suburbs in droves. What did they want to leave behind and what did they expect to find? Where are people moving today and why? What are the differences between urban, suburban and rural living and which lifestyle do you prefer?
The pressures of growth meant that rural ambience soon gave way to housing developments, strip malls and shopping centers. Was this what new residents had in mind? How should growth be managed and who should make the decisions about it? Why is this such a big decision for an emerging area?
After the Kingdome was built, the Asian community rallied to preserve the International District and create a link between generations. What impact does the Kingdome continue to have on the neighborhood? Does it present a threat to the culture and identity of the International District? What were the community benefits of simply standing together and organizing?
Public votes on regional transit and the Seattle Commons are two recent examples of regional decision-making on issues of growth and community. Why do you think one passed and the other failed? What other decisions are ahead concerning regional growth?
Since the '70s, Seattle has regained its reputation as a good place to live. The mayor proposed a plan to control growth by creating population-dense "urban villages" in city neighborhoods. Some neighborhood activists vehemently opposed the idea. What were their concerns? Are urban villages a good idea? What city neighborhoods and suburban areas are now experiencing the stresses of growth? Looking back, what areas of Puget Sound should we have preserved and didn't?