Topic 5: Name three things that have changed in society which you wish had not, and explain with examples.
That was the writing prompt I chose from the plethora on offer for the weekend engagement initiative from @galenkp. Let's get straight to it as I have been known to ramble slightly. 😁
New years eve.
Actually. That is very misleading, it's not, NYE that is the issue in and of itself. The issue I have is with my childhood memory versus my current reality of that magical day of the year is, how it is celebrated and what it means for us all going forward.
Let me explain a little, it should help.
I would like to distance what I am about to say from alcohol, for the duration of my diatribe account, try and imagine it does not exist in the world.
I remember New years eve when I was a boy so richly. There was that strange 'no mans land' between Christmas being over and the start of a shiny new year.
The first stage was a nihilistic depression once Christmas was over, partly due to anti-climax, partly because it was the furthest point possible in time from Christmas coming round again.
Depression seems a strong word to describe a young boy being sad that Christmas was over, but with wisdom and years under my belt, I recognise it for exactly what it was... The word stands.
Boxing day would pass, another day or 2 and then the adults would start buzzing, preparing and then the party of the year arrangements would commence.
That would be the point when the kids would start to get excited. It was the only time I would be awake at midnight and beyond, and so it was a big deal. There would be food, music but most of all there would be partygoers...
Most of the neighbours would visit each other's houses. The part I remember most of all though, is the amazing holiday spirit. I remember the connection between people and I recall my normally stern, quiet, standoffish neighbours as animated, happy, vibrant 3 dimensional people.
Contrasted with the last handful of New years eve celebrations... Ugh, flatflatflat people seem closeted in their own homes, worlds and heads. The number of people who choose Netflix or an early night seems to be at a rate I cannot ever remember.
The idea of people 'on the whole' opening their homes to others is almost a non starter. I believe those old days fostered a neighbourly spirit that I don't see too much today.
I believe we have lost something and it makes me feel sad if I am going to be honest.
Mobile phones. Oh where do I start?
Who would ever want to go back to the dark ages when it comes to telecommunications? When faced with the amazing convenience, safety and indispensability of the super-computer in our pocket, life is pretty amazing. And yet...
Those over a certain age know exactly what I am going to say, although some of them are equally bad with the issues I am about to list, right?
It often feels like I need to wait for an appointment slot with the person opposite me. Even when these are the closest people to me in the world, somehow I feel second best to a bit of tech.
Sometimes, even the most professional people crumble and give up the ghost when that lil box vibrates, beeps or rings. Oh here comes another drip of dopamine, a like, a share, an upvote... Rather than focus on poor connection, focus on genuine connection.
The phone is now an extension of most peoples body, I just wish there was a little perspective and slightly less addiction.
Finally, I am going to choose the craziest one of all, bearing mind what I am doing write now and how you are reading these words. This is probably the most indispensable resource that most people could not do without nowadays.
The web, the net, the world wide web, the information super highway...
'But why', you may scream in protest.
Simply because it has devalued so many skills and metrics that used to define people, businesses and institutions.
Just think of how many people have studied at length and massive expense, only to discover that apathetic Andy down the road can google the answer that you learned for 4 years to provide. Now he can monetise his YouTube channel and teach others about it even though he hasn't done a days study in his life...
Criminals needed to break in to your home in the good old days if they wanted to fleece you of what is rightfully yours. Now they simply learn a bit of code and empty your pension pot while you sleep and you didn't even know it had happened...
Here is something that makes my blood boil I know it is more about my ego than genuine deceitfulness and poor sportsmanship...
Here's the thing about me, I am known in my circle as having a head chock full of genuinely useless knowledge, random quotes and song lyrics...
Back in the day, I used to win a LOT of radio competitions, quizzes and random prizes for knowing useless trivia. I am very often the only person in a room of 30 at work who knows certain irrelevant bits of information... The internet has ruined this for poor little Steven, even when taking part in a pub quiz now, the playing field has been levelled...
Now everybody knows that Solomon Burke sang that song nobody can ever think of in 'Dirty Dancing' or that Elton John was playing the piano in Rick Astley's behind the smile.
Understand, I could not afford further education, didn't get a degree and do not have an apprenticeship under my belt...
This was my thing!!!
In hindsight I could never really throw the internet and mobile phone in a skip just because of the irksome reasons I have described. I do wish that people would connect more in the real world, get to know and look out for their neighbours a little more though.
If they did, maybe we could start the new year in exactly the right way... Right?
Thank YOU for taking the time to read my post and if you're one of those amazing people who like to hit the comments section... Then I doubly thank YOU!
Either way I want you to know that you are appreciated!
Keep taking the time to connect with each-other both here and in the 'so-called' real world and try and look after each-other, because as you already know...
