Generation Distraction

We are coming upon a new era of youth; one filled with distractions.  Nearly everyday young Americans drink and dope themselves into an alternate existence, numbing themselves.  Speaking from experience, I know how self-destructive this type of behavior is, and how hard it is to overcome and learn to just 'be.'  Beyond the physical distractions, there is also the use of electronics to transform our perceptions of the world and to - literally - take us into another state of mind/being.  One in which human contact is preferred via text messages, snap chats, and various social networking sites.  Many people protest against this; instead, request that we humans shut off our phones and sit around for some serious human interaction.

My fear is that none of the warnings matter, and that we keep diving further and further into the abyss, the unknown future of technology.  Some would argue - and many have with me directly - that technology and the future is unavoidable; that we should just give in, learn to adapt to it.  I disagree, in spite of the fact that this is an online blog and will potentially be read by people on cell phones, tablets, and other obscene devices.  So why, being the anti-conformist person that I always attempt to be, would I write a blog?  I hope to reach those few people out there that might read this and think differently.  I hope to make people look at the world in a whole other light - and perhaps raise more awareness and understanding to some of the bigger downfalls that coincide with 'progressive' cultures.

But, that is a tangent saved for another post.  What happens when we are constantly 'plugged-in'?  We lose face-to-face human interactions, which could potentially lead to, especially amongst youth, social phobias, discomfort in social settings, and even a dumbing down of whole generations.  To be bold, how does this type of generation lead to a furthering of the species?  If we are constantly playing with electronics, when is there time for engagement with another human being, and time to enjoy intimacy? 

And if these young people are all consumed by their electronics, only present when induced by drugs or alcohol, then those that are actually engaging in procreation, are often inebriated.  Or, at best, those sober persons will only further the generation of distraction by giving their children electronic babysitters, instead of love and affection, and engagement.  Parents could easily be replaced by devices.  And pretty soon we will be just like Bruce Willis in Surrogates.

Dramatic?  I think not.  Prove me otherwise...I triple dog dare you.

Love,
HB

Solving the world's problems one post at a time.

Shopping Mall Reality

Awkward noises fill my ears.  I can’t seem to break through the fog of the city and find my place.  As I wander around this shopping mall, I see empty faces.  My senses are overwhelmed by everything, taking in each smell and sight.  I’ve been here before, but yet it seems so new.  Like I am a foreign student, hailing from a small village where modernity has not yet veered his path.  Is it possible to lose touch with the world in such a short period of time?  I feel lost in this place.  I feel like I don’t belong here, like I never will.  This culture of buying seems ridiculous, cold even.  They’ve lost touch with reality, or perhaps just changed it.  A father stands, hunched over on his cell phone, as his wife plays with the children on a plastic play set in the middle of the food court.  What could possibly be more important?  People buy overpriced garbage from name brand stores, all made in foreign nations.  The ambiance is not relaxing, rather unsettling; but it seems I am the only one to notice.  It feels like a dream, or maybe a nightmare, something I cannot break from.  I just want to go outside and breathe. 

My pace quickens as I move closer to the nearest exit.  I push the door and frantically rush to my car.  As I body slam the passenger door, my lungs finally react.  How will I ever find my place in this world?  I cradle myself and sit against the car.  It seems like days pass before I come to, get in the car, and head home.

At night I sit in the backyard.  Cars drive by; some slowly, but most fast and loud.  To my left and right are homes, places of security.  No lights appear to be on anywhere.  Families are fast asleep.  It’s late.  I should go inside and try to rest myself.  But the night is beautiful.  The moon is full, absolutely wondrous.  I wish to go back to the ‘wild.’  It’s difficult to not be so negative.  I feel like I am drowning. 

I cradle myself and whisper softly “This is not my home.  This is not my home.  I do not belong here, I don’t belong here.” 

~HB

Solving the world's problems one post at a time.