I’m *from* rural America. My parents grew up on farms. I’ve also done research on how, at least in the U.S., the survival of our entire population depends on reinventing urban spaces so they’re more sustainable and even produce food. Many rural communities in the U.S. produce staggering amounts of waste, engage in environmentally harmful agricultural practices, and only practice empathy within a very small cell of individuals whom they know they depend on. They do not extend that empathy toward other groups, and in fact often support legislation and policies aimed at hurting those they perceive as threats.