Modern Society

Here's something to ponder.  What are the things you remember most fondly in your life?  These can include moments with family and friends.  What memories do you treasure most?  Of what are you most proud?  On your death bed, what will you remember?

I'm sure there are going to be different answers to this.  I would likely bet on one thing, though.  None of anyone's choices would include electronics--computers, video games, or even television or the movies.

Just before the priest comes in for last rites, I doubt I'll say, "Boy, I really remember that one episode of Charlie's Angels!"  How many will recall "I really crushed everyone in Grand Theft Auto!"  (No, that's not a typo.  It's not really a question.)  The list of things that won't be among what we'll remember from our lives is lengthy.

So, then, why do so many, particularly those younger folks, but not exclusively them, spend so much time watching television and movies, playing video games, etc.?  If it were only the younger crowd, such might be chalked up to youthful indiscretions, that they haven't yet realized what is really important in life.  (No, scoring high in Fortnight--?--is not a major accomplishment.  If someone believes that......  No, nobody, deep down, really thinks that, do they?)

Similarly, what events have had major significance in your life?  What, for better or worse, factors changed your life, pushing you in one direction or another?  My guess is that video games, television shows, movies weren't among your candidates.  Perhaps, if you were inspired by (or even won!) something like American Idol, maybe......  Did anyone ever watch The Andy Griffith Show and say, "When I grow up, I want to be just like Barney Fife or Gomer Pyle?"

Although I watch very, very little television (Karen can go on an out-of-town weekend shopping trip, leaving on Thur eve ad returning late Sun and she'll more often than not find the boob tube on the same station she left it three days earlier.), I understand the diversion movies, television, and even video games can provide.  In our times of often complete lunacy?  Yes, I understand the diversion factor.  But why do so many folks let these activities dominate their lives?

And, perhaps I am mistaken.  Maybe some people, on their death beds, will recall, "Remember how I dominated withe Mario Brothers?" or "Boy, watching Survivor was a highlight of my life."  I don't think so, but, again, in our times of often complete lunacy, I could be wrong.