It's interesting that I have thought about this several times recently -- and how standards and practices have changed over the years.
When I was young -- back in The Stone Age -- growing up in Texas (before the days of television) ... when "company would come over" it was considered an honor!! You kept the house clean in anticipation of visitors, and it was a compliment to have someone drop by unannounced to spend the evening together.
But -- as I said, times change. People don't sit out on their front porches in the evenings any longer either. They're all buried behind closed doors and drawn drapes glued to their computers or entertainment devices. And we don't honestly care as much about each other as people IMO as we once did. I think this all ties together somehow.
I wouldn't dream of just "dropping in on someone." My phones are always turned off. I don't answer the door if somebody knocks. "Visiting someone" doesn't seem to be a common practice any more. We may go out to dinner or to a show together -- but we don't just sit together and talk ... about anything. (I guess that's what "social media" is for!!)
I think society has lost something over the years. And yet ... ironically, I'm not inclined to change how things are in my life. My one remaining family member even remotely in my circle of friends is my younger brother. We live in the same general town -- although it's about a 40 minute drive between us. We email each other birthday greetings on appropriate days. But we haven't actually physically seen one another in nearly 20 years. He has grandchildren I've never met -- and I don't envision that changing any time soon.
Interesting. I understand the pros and cons of both sides. And clearly, I've settled on one that suits me -- for a number of reasons.
Wow this was such a nice response. You brought up some very valid points that I hadn’t thought of.
Before the age of television and cell phones company was the “entertainment “. I agree with your statement about not caring as much about each other as people. It makes sense why we don’t visit or physically go and see each other as much...because using social media is easier and more convenient with our busy life schedules.
One time my mom tried to reach my cousin on her cell phone and she didn’t answer the first time. She finally picked up and said,
I thought that was so cold of her to say. People don’t like to actually talk to anyone anymore...it’s sad how things have changed with the rise and advancement of technology.
That’s good that you and your brother still keep in touch although you haven’t seen each other. I hope you do get to meet your great nieces and nephews one day in the future :)
There are surely pros and cons to both sides. Thank you so much for your contribution to this conversation! I enjoyed reading your response!
As I sit here thinking, I wonder how much the rise of incessant advertising has caused us as individuals to try to pull back into ourselves to find a little island of peace and quiet somewhere.
On the internet, on the television (even in the middle of shows we now get "product placement" shots), on the radio, through countless billboards and other vehicles (even on the sides of vehicles themselves) we are constantly assaulted, pushed, hectored, cajoled, guilted and hammered at by some stranger wanting our attention -- and willing to be intrusive and obnoxious to get it.
Maybe one more assault on our serenity when we finally get some space to do what we want is just more than we're willing to tolerate -- even if it's someone we know and love. Making space in a too-crowded life ... and having the time to hear our own thoughts ... has become such a luxury.
Technology is terrific. I don't want to give it up ever! But along with making our lives more interesting ... and often easier, too, it sure has found ways to make them more chaotic.
I agree with everything you just said! It is nice to have our place of peace and serenity away from all the noise. I love technology too but I see it as a blessing and a curse. I say that because the more advanced technology gets and the more social plattforms that arise, the more time we are away from our families and loved ones. Technology has us all locked in into our devices that by the time we look up the day is gone. I’ve been really focusing on spending more time with my family away from my devices.