Welcome to the bubble. It’s a saying I’ve heard with increasing frequency of late. The bubble refers to St. Albert, often by St. Albertans in jest and by outsiders as a means to explain the stereotype of St. Albertans.
St. Albert is a suburb with rich kids, rich parents and few boundaries for either, according to various postings found in the urban dictionary, an online resource that allows users to post definitions (www.urbandictionary.com.)
I have mixed emotions about this stereotype. Part of the reason I like St. Albert is that it is an affluent community yet I’m saddened by the flip side of that same affluence – real or imagined – that we are a community of Barbie moms, spoiled kids and rich dads.
Initially, I think that there is some truth to the perception. The reality is that most St. Albertans do live a seemingly charmed life. In 2008, the median family income was $115,800, 34 per cent above the provincial average. This income level lends itself to the image of teens driving late model vehicles and moms driving solo in large SUVs. This is a St. Albert reality, albeit one that is supported by an education level that is also higher than the provincial average. My assumption is that there is a direct correlation between above average income and education.
The stereotype that the youth in our community have expectations and milestones that include a car at 16, world travel and many opportunities that were not available only a generation ago lends itself nicely to the stereotypical spoiled kid. However, St. Albert also boasts excellent high school completion rates in the 80th percentile. Perhaps the spoils have gone deservedly to the young drivers and world travelers?
The impression that there are few boundaries in the bubble is interesting. Since 2007 crimes – including assault and break and enter – have gone down or stayed static while mischief crimes have increased. Is this the result of the spoiled kids who have no boundaries or rules?
These lessened rules have come to my attention regarding underage drinking and I’m bewildered by parents that “boot” (purchase alcohol) for their children under the misguided direction that it’s better to know the what, where and when of this activity. In this situation I agree that boundaries are lacking and the urban dictionary definition may well be accurate when it says “Sex, alcohol, drugs; they’re all just a part of their everyday lifes [sic].”
Is this absence of judgment a result of the ability to provide opportunity? And is there opportunity in lessening the rules? As the city develops the social master plan it’s crucial that the developmental assets approach continues and places an emphasis on the positive characteristics, experiences and qualities that youth need in order to develop into healthy, caring and responsible adults. This is needed so there are more acceptable opportunities for youth and the need to have Mom “boot” becomes irrelevant.
Perception is reality and there is some truth to the perception that St. Albert is a bubble but I find it a safe, secure life with many opportunities.
While judgment is sometimes passed based on the stereotype, I recognize my reality. I’m not a Barbie mom – just ask anyone who’s seen me at a 6 a.m. hockey practice. I believe in good moral values, that hard work has rewards, that rules are important and that I’m indeed fortunate.
For the most part I believe most of us will not fit into the stereotype and will continue to be diligent to ensure our community is more than its urban dictionary definition.
Tanya Doran is an enthusiastic St. Albert resident.
