I realize this is a post that takes a bit of a different turn than my previous meanderings, but as someone who is now a mid-centurion and has grown children, I just couldn’t keep silent on this topic.
The photos above depict then and now. The photo on the left is all about children playing outdoors and enjoying themselves with something as simple as blowing bubbles, while the photo on the right shows how things are today!
This post formed a few days ago while I was sitting outside in front of my house, under my favorite maple tree just watching a few cars pass by, the occasional couple walking their dogs, and the kids.
The kids that strolled by were completely oblivious to what was going on around them. They didn’t talk to one another or even seem interested in who was walking beside them. They all had their cell phones in their faces! They almost looked like the damn things were glued to their hands and their eyes all shared the same glazed over expression. A couple of them didn’t even bother to look for cars as they bounced off the curb into the street. Their pace and head position never changed.
How did we get here? Technology is awesome for so many things, but after witnessing the above, it’s time to take those devices seriously – This didn’t appear to be fun or engaging – it appeared to be the beginning of a mini-people zombie apocalypse.
When I was a kid…I’m sure many readers who are not of my age will say that they have heard this line from their parents way too many times, but the truth is the truth! We played outside until the street lights went on and that was our cue to be home for supper with no excuses. We played in the fields, the streams and even in the streets. We built forts, played dodge ball (I think they have outlawed this one for cruelty?), filled up water balloons and found tons of things to do that embodied the spirit of togetherness, communication and camaraderie.
My friends included all shapes, sizes and ethnicity’s. We were neighborhood kids. Everyone had something to contribute! Was there the occasional tiff or hurt feelings? Of course there was – we were little people navigating our way around the beginnings of our social patterns. Those little hiccups between us never seemed to last very long, because the important thing was we had each other. We shared complaints about how unfair our parents were and dreamed about the next new toy or gadget.
I am so sad to witness the end of the art conversation as I knew it! The emotionless world of technology is grand for research and work, but if this is the conversation of the future…texts and emoji’s – Where does this leave us?
Blessings to you!
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THE SPLENDOR OF IT ALL 