coswesaidso
Monday, March 24, 2008
"Ring RIng"
Picture this cinematic, age old image, it’s the leading lady, done up to the nines, waiting nervously by the phone, jumping each time it rings, only to the crushing realization that the person on the other line, is not who she’s hoped for.
Now picture said girl, however, this time she’s hunched nervously over her laptop, at 1am, logged on to two social networking sites, her instant messenger service and email inbox, with mobile phone of course, within arms reach. She’s waiting on her techno-savvy prince charming, and needless to say she’s a little more jumpy. (Borderline suicidal at this point) She’s ensured that her desperation is not tangible by choosing a status that is ‘invisible’, ‘appears offline’ or ‘away’. Sadly, however, she is quite aware of the irony that she is both physically and mentally, ‘On-line’ … off. Keep in mind, her mobile phone, whilst out of sight for now, will be awarded due attention a few more times before she allows her weary body (and mind) some rest.
In case you’ve forgotten old home phone, (even the name’s hideously outdated), its still there, and whilst serving a mostly performative function, can be surprisingly nerve jangling too. Maybe even more so considering its increasingly eccentric presence within a melee of slick modern technological toys.
Technophrenia, or perhaps Connectiphobia would be a term I’d use to describe the extreme state of anxiety derived from the above situation. The increasing availability, and multiplicity of communication modes each and ever person in the Western hemisphere cannot have failed to notice, is simply exhilarating. Modern connection, has literalised the 1979 AT&T's slogan, "Reach out and touch someone," with cyber technology making online connectivity ever more tangible. We can see, hear, and virtually inspect every aspect of a person’s life in the flick of a button..or the grant of a ‘friend request’.
Eek, me pretty tired! Will continue this post later…yawn!
Now picture said girl, however, this time she’s hunched nervously over her laptop, at 1am, logged on to two social networking sites, her instant messenger service and email inbox, with mobile phone of course, within arms reach. She’s waiting on her techno-savvy prince charming, and needless to say she’s a little more jumpy. (Borderline suicidal at this point) She’s ensured that her desperation is not tangible by choosing a status that is ‘invisible’, ‘appears offline’ or ‘away’. Sadly, however, she is quite aware of the irony that she is both physically and mentally, ‘On-line’ … off. Keep in mind, her mobile phone, whilst out of sight for now, will be awarded due attention a few more times before she allows her weary body (and mind) some rest.
In case you’ve forgotten old home phone, (even the name’s hideously outdated), its still there, and whilst serving a mostly performative function, can be surprisingly nerve jangling too. Maybe even more so considering its increasingly eccentric presence within a melee of slick modern technological toys.
Technophrenia, or perhaps Connectiphobia would be a term I’d use to describe the extreme state of anxiety derived from the above situation. The increasing availability, and multiplicity of communication modes each and ever person in the Western hemisphere cannot have failed to notice, is simply exhilarating. Modern connection, has literalised the 1979 AT&T's slogan, "Reach out and touch someone," with cyber technology making online connectivity ever more tangible. We can see, hear, and virtually inspect every aspect of a person’s life in the flick of a button..or the grant of a ‘friend request’.
Eek, me pretty tired! Will continue this post later…yawn!
Saturday, March 15, 2008
ba---ack!
Wow. first post of 2008, how tragically late. sorry to noone in particular who might occasionally read this blog, (hah!) BUT 2007/2008 has been eventful, busy, a blur and so on.
But today's topic is negativity, being negative, whining, sulking; looking at others optimism with snarky looks and narrowed eyes and thinking/voicing the word "loser" probably more times then is acceptable. What is it that makes some people so blissfully oblivious of the annoying, muscle- tensing moments, people and situations that are somehow (always) apparent to others? People’s strange nuances, phlegm clearing, constant nose- sniffing, pretentious yuppies, drunken teenage girls, general pants shop assistants, rogue- trader songs, facebook- posuers-jeez the list is extensive!
Those blissfully unaware… perhaps they are endowed with an enormous sense of self-esteem, self-love and general peacefulness. They’re Anthony Robbins/Tyra Banks/Sunnyside up view of life is spawned by a peacefulness within.
But in my experience this has not proved to be true. Many of those with seemingly healthy self-esteem/balances lifestyle and general sunniness are particularly in tune to the annoyances of life and can quite conduct a whinge-athon with the best of them (negative types)
So what is it that creates in one a more negative disposition? Obviously genes come into play, and of course childhood. Who can forget the number one Oprah/Doctor Phil ‘discussion’ of the episode theme-- overcoming the many issues spawned from father abandonment, harsh disciplining, parental disputes, social isolation at school, …wah, wah. Wah.
So the more tumultuous childhood one has, the more likely they are to be pessimistic then? Nuh-uh, not really. I guess I’ve met people horrible stories of their parent’s divorce, looniness and general hardships that barely grumble. While my mind is initially reeling as to why this is, I am overcome by jealousy at their great attitude to life, themselves, and general optimism. Positivity is something that at times I feel like injecting myself with. A straight hit of self-esteem, and enthusiasm for the day ahead, job interviews, and unknown social situations.
Anyway so I guess there are no answers, people are more complex then a few generalized factors. Sorry if any of this offended people. Facebook is great (ahem) its cool to put up trendy photos!
Till next week