Every place of arrival should have a booth set up and manned by an ordinary person whose task it is to greet strangers and give them a little trophy of local space-time stuff - tell them of his difficulties in high school and put a pinch of soil in their pockets - in order to insure that the stranger shall not become an Anyone.
In "The Moviegoer," Walker Percy suggests that every arrival point should have a booth staffed by a local person. This individual's role is to welcome newcomers and provide them with a small token representing the local area, creating a personal connection. By sharing their own struggles, like experiences from high school, they offer a glimpse into their life and the community's character.
This personal touch helps newcomers feel unique and valued, preventing them from losing their identity as just another face in the crowd. The act of giving something as simple as a pinch of soil symbolizes rooting them in the place and fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of their surroundings.
