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...

[Rath Darkblade]

That's fair. I'm no prude, and I'm not going to tell people how to dress or what to wear. I'm just asking what on earth possesses people to leave the house almost naked. Especially in winter. The weather doesn't care about your individuality. Be as individual as you like, just don't go out naked during a snowstorm.

I'm not saying everyone should be the same, or like that.

I'm not telling people what to do.

I don't even care if they run around in the nude.

I'm not offended by the existence of unconventional clothing. I'm just experiencing anthropological curiosity mixed with a tiny amount of existential bewilderment.

Oh well. Not my circus, not my monkeys.

[Tawmis]

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.

I blame things like TikTok and Youtube shorts. It's a lack of attention. Video games cater to it now, as well. Before games used to be more difficult, you'd need to think. Now you pretty much just button mash your way through things, that save every 2 minutes, just in case anything goes wrong. The days of save early, save often (on your own!) are long gone!

A pet peeve of mine is people obliviously walking with their head in their phone, completely unaware of who they might run into or get their dumb ass run over.

That said, I am someone (if I am alone), I got ear buds on and blaring heavy metal in my ears. But I am always looking around. The only downside is if someone is shouting, "Someone's about to shoot your dumb ass!"

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.

Welcome to San Diego since like the late 1970s.

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.

Welcome to Hollywood since the late 1960's.

[Rath Darkblade]

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.

I blame things like TikTok and Youtube shorts. It's a lack of attention. Video games cater to it now, as well. Before games used to be more difficult, you'd need to think. Now you pretty much just button mash your way through things, that save every 2 minutes, just in case anything goes wrong. The days of save early, save often (on your own!) are long gone!

A pet peeve of mine is people obliviously walking with their head in their phone, completely unaware of who they might run into or get their dumb ass run over.

Agreed. I see this all the time on public transport and such, or out on the street. I've even seen (and heard) people yell abuse without being obliviously on their phone. :-\

The other day I was on my way to work, and I saw some guy with his shirt off, turning around and yelling abuse (and flipping the bird) across the street to -- it seemed -- no-one in particular. I just ignored him.

But as he turned around and walked away past me, I saw two police officers cross the street and come after him. Instinctively, I stepped aside and let them past. Like I said: not my circus, not my monkeys. If he chooses to have a go at the police, they can bust his stupid arse.

Then again, on another morning I was walking to work and an obviously 'impaired' man was lurching past, and started yelling at me about how he would -- and I quote -- 'cut my throat and drink my blood'. I simply walked faster the other way, stepped into a bottle shop and asked them if they knew anything about that individual. Their response was "What, him again?"

So obviously I thought: Again?! What if this guy chose to do that to woman, or a young child going to school?

That said, I am someone (if I am alone), I got ear buds on and blaring heavy metal in my ears. But I am always looking around. The only downside is if someone is shouting, "Someone's about to shoot your dumb ass!"

Blaring heavy metal is fine when you're alone. I'm glad you're always looking around and watching out for your own safety. Please stay safe. I've seen enough people get hurt in public because they think that someone else will watch out for them.

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.

Welcome to Hollywood since the late 1960's.

Er, what?? You mean, when men in Hollywood walk around in public, they wear almost nothing below the waist? Even in winter? That must be ... interesting.

I wonder if someone from The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim starts yelling "Put on some clothes, already!" or "We've seen enough!" ... or "Dress yourself!", etc.