NIMBY
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NIMBY is an acronym for "not in my backyard." This is the term usually given to arguments from groups or individuals who demand a controversial development be built, as long as it is not built anywhere near where they live and work. NIMBY arguments generally follow requests for jails, necropolises, airports, highways, mass-transit lines, power plants, rehabilitation facilities (such as methadone clinics), sewage treatment plants, recycling centers, and affordable housing projects, but have been stretched to include corporations such as Wal-Mart.
History of the Term[edit]
The first recorded instance of the term NIMBY comes from a 1980 issue of the Christian Science Monitor[1], although it was then used in a way that suggested that others already knew the term. It was also used in a stand-up comedy routine by George Carlin.[2] The term and idea are not limited to one location or country, but instead seems to be a common sentiment.
Synonyms and similar terminology[edit]
NAMBI[edit]
"Not Against My Business or Interest" is a more abstract variation on this theme, in which someone is against a proposed regulation or plan because it could directly hurt one's business, despite being a good idea for the whole community.
BANANA[edit]
"Build Absolutely Nothing Anywhere Near Anything". This is one of the most extreme groups of opposition to development or changes within a particular area. Opposition of this kind typically involves ill-thought out protests that, if taken to their logical conclusion, would mean that utilities, public housing, and other such "undesirable" development would be located in the middle of nowhere.[3]
YIMBY[edit]
"Yes In My Backyard". Exactly the opposite of NIMBY. It is used to describe groups who actively campaign in favour of particular developments going ahead. YIMBY is particularly useful when a community group forms to oppose the original NIMBY group.[4] Sometimes you get a third-tier group opposing this second organisation. The situation then tends to rapidly deteriorate into Judean People's Front territory.
See also[edit]
- Wind Turbine Syndrome
- Emotional appeal
- Nuclear power
- Pork is in a sense the NIMBY principle in reverse.
- Special pleading is a fundamental element of almost all NIMBY debates. "While I fully support the need for halfway houses, they should not be allowed in this neighborhood because of (some usually unquantifiable characteristic obvious only to the speaker)".