A thought about the modern world (and why it's strange)

[Rath Darkblade]

So, I had a thought: with the recent global pandemic, and the lockdown(s), and the fact that just about everyone hadn't been able to go out and mix for a few years, I have a feeling that some people -- not everyone, but some -- have forgotten how to behave in public. More people nowadays have less patience for others. They're constantly listening to their own music, or constantly looking at their phone. They are more impatient, more quick to anger, looking for the next "fix". That is a disturbing trend.

Some of them have even taken it to the extreme of not bothering to change out of their pajamas before going to the grocery store, and a few (not many) don't even bother to dress before going out - they just throw on a pair of pants and shoes, but not even a shirt. (I've seen one or two people like this, especially in summer. I live near the inner city, and last summer, I saw two young women walking around a major street in a skirt and a bra, but topless otherwise, as if that was a normal thing to do). That is very strange.

Lastly, I even ran into one young man at my local supermarket walking around, wearing no shirt, but a very short mini-skirt ... and no underpants.

Far be it from my to judge, but -- people. *sigh* It's not that hard. Put on some clothes before you leave the house. That's not too much to ask, is it?

Thanks for letting me rant. I feel better now.

[goatmeal]

"And who are you to tell me how I should dress?..."

...is the answer you would get if you asked any of these people. Look at pictures of air travel back in the 1930s and 1940s. Today, people look like they're waiting to board a bus (no offense to bus riders). They have no respect for themselves, so how can they have respect for others? The loss of formality and common societal mores over the last 50-60 years has led to the current state.

With the advent of the "Me" generation ("If it feels good, do it!"), the individual now supersedes the community. The rise of social media and other "me"-focused electronic activities (music, television, books, movies) has certainly exacerbated the loss of commonality over the last 15 years. On the one hand, it's wonderful there are now so many choices, but on the other, there is no longer a shared culture (which was forced upon us due to "lack" of choice).

Me? I'm just another old man shouting at clouds...