From BBQs for Barack Obama to groups like “if you have a big butt join this,” Facebook has expanded from a means of communication into a lifestyle for students around the world. WORLD. Now that’s a big word. And I don’t mean big word SAT-style (words you rarely hear people use in sentences), but big because it rolls around the tongue, echoes within the walls of your mouth and makes you realize how small and insignificant you are.
Websites like Facebook and ProgressiveU reaffirm how gadgets-based our daily lives are. Not that I don’t revel in the magic that lies within the slim .46” of a spankin’ new iPhone, but there’s a different kind of magic in the stars, sunsets, moon and all the gorgeous landscapes that can be seen even on the nearest beach. Specifically, magic lies in the (insert sigh here) summertime.
I couldn’t live without hearing waves crashing and foaming, feeling the hot sun on my back, taking in looming, majestic mountains… yet I could survive without a cell phone. I’ve done it for over 3 weeks. But I definitely miss texting.
We’re babies of a different type of movement than the psychedelic blur of controversial activism many of our parents lived through. Of course, controversy still exists. But a majority of teens nowadays are concerned with the newest advancement in technology than with nature or politics.
Despite the fact that sweet summertime has slipped through our fingers again and nature can no longer distract us from technology, we can still change the perception that teenagers nowadays are out of touch with the world. Putting our nostalgia for summer aside, as well as minimizing Facebook and deserting our cell phones for a minute’s time, we should dive into the school year with the conscious goal to educate ourselves outside of the classroom. With the 2008 elections coming up, we should abandon all stereotypes and actually inform ourselves politically. We should stop paying attention to the peers who encourage us to take another shot or buy the newest ring tone and instead pay attention to those who challenge us with their ideas and opinions. We should think and create rather than allow ourselves to decay in a dark room playing video games.
I believe that if you can put a smile on someone’s face, you’re helping to change the world. Let's stop assuming other people will get things done. Let's stop doubting that we can make a difference.
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
This is the voice that America needs to hear.
I really don't know what else to say aside from that this is simply amazing.
-Dan
I agree with both of the above.
Get your voice out there! You obviously know what needs to be said,and you know how to say it. Please, go for it.
You are inspirational.
Until later....
~Dreams
Beautiful perspective.
Plain, simple and to the point. Just what we all need to hear
I agree that we should stop doubting ourselves that we can change the world because that is negativity.
My blog
THIS IS FANTASTIC AND GREAT
THIS IS THE BEST BLOGGING SITE I HAVE EVER JOINED.
THUMBS UP!
Howdy doo! I agree that it is very important to learn all that you can outside of class about whatever topics interest you. There is no other way to get ahead in this world intelectually. I also think that politics are very important and that people should support their views with action from a young age. This was a good post.
- Austin :-)
I love this! Keep it up.
Great comments, and who can really argue with them? You're quite a writer.
I think it boils down to the fact that materialism is no sure way to happiness, to say the least, and that that's a truism relating to human nature, regardless of the times.
The Industrial Revolution had a huge impact on people's lives, and the amount of "stuff" they got tended to go way up, but was the average person really happier afterwards versus before? The growth in and advancement of technology has been quite a revolution too, but I think it's the same deal - no guarantees of happiness therein.
We don't have what people will in 50 years, but do we miss it? I'd say no, not really. Not nearly as much as how we'd miss what we now have, and what we take for granted. I didn't get a computer until I was 37 years old, and I feel like it would just kill me to have to give them up now. Yet I was not unhappy prior to having computers.
I also don't think it's either/or, as well. Many people can see and hear the waves, the wind in the mountains, etc., and experience a great many things, at least to an extent, thanks to technology, without which they'd have little chance to go to those places directly. The genie can't be put back in the bottle. We have our technology and in general we love it. Here's hoping that people hear your message and take some time to do as you suggest.
I do like my entire days of dark rooms and video games, though.
Best,
Doug
Thanks, to both of you.
I have mixed feelings about sites like Facebook and all the virtual and electronic reality stuff. They are fun, but it seems to me that in the end we are giving up what you so eloquently described here. By taking huge amounts of time creating and updating a digital imprint of ourselves, we cease to live fully, if at all.
I firmly believe that the happiest people are those who are not attracted and distracted by electronic plethora.
---------
"I always knew I wanted to be somebody. I guess I should have been more specific."
~Unknown
Ironically... I just realized that my cell phone display says "I am happy"... lol
This is the best post I've ever seen. You address the lack of motivation here in the US for our generation. (Graduated Hempstead High '04)
If you only had a microphone and air time. When I was young I had no TV. I had books. I was hardly subjected to the media much, so I had more time to grow in other area. I think that this is extremely important amongst us, the future builders, and maintainers of America. I've seens tens of friends have children right out of high school. Their lives crippled because they have to raise children.
Why should we learn? To understand. Why should we understand? To build; protect.
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/infinitymachine
The problem is too much time spent on electronics... not children. =P
You make an interesting point, however improbable it may be for those of us who are attached to our laptops and iphones. Nice tie in to the election as a marker for where we are going - you have a very unique writing style
In the mood for enlightenment? Feel free to come to my blog and share your thoughts. http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/MiniMax
You make an interesting point, however improbable it may be for those of us who are attached to our laptops and iphones. Nice tie in to the election as a marker for where we are going - you have a very unique writing style
In the mood for enlightenment? Feel free to come to my blog and share your thoughts. http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/MiniMax
that's true