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.