Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Quote of the Day: Bob Dylan

I totally agree with Bob (I usually do) in the quote below. SB does not own a cell phone or an iPod and never will.

I see more and more middle-aged people now in the neighbourhood, out taking a walk, blathering away on a damn mobile [cell phone]. What's the damn point--out in nature blathering away? Sometimes, these morons even do this in spite of having a friend or a partner walking with them. I would go ballistic! I think it's rude as hell. So my point is that I don't think it's only the youngsters who are guilty of this.

"IT'S peculiar and unnerving in a way to see so many young people walking around with cellphones and iPods in their ears and so wrapped up in media and video games. It robs them of their self-identity. It's a shame to see them so tuned out to real life."

-- Bob Dylan to Rolling Stone

7 comments:

nan said...

Stevie Nicks went down the same road a few weeks ago (you may have already blogged about it, but I didn't see). She said, "I believe that social graces are gone because manners are gone because all people do is sit around and text. I think it's obnoxious." I agree with both her and Bob. (and you of course SB, as usual!!)

Much love
~nan

Sarcastic Bastard said...

We do agree on most things, don't we, Nan? One day we'll have to meet for some coffee and chat.

Love you, too. Thanks for reading.

SB

Mj Rains said...

Totally agree with you (and Bob Dylan). I see kids and people with cell phones constantly and it drives me crazy. I agree, a walk should be a walk-not a time to talk, unless it's with the one you're walking with. On the kids, we should decide what they really NEED. I stress "need" because kids tend to want and do what everyone else does, which does rob them of their own self-expression, not to mention the costs of all the high-tech bullshit out there! eeeks!
Peace to you...finding your article down the line here fascinating...and thanks for keeping in touch at the Wit Continuum....Jenn

Herbert Barry Woodrose said...

I'm glad you pointed out that it isn't just kids. Adults today act the way we did when we were kids. Totally plugged in.

Is it wrong though? I don't do it, I don't even have a cell, I get really bothered by people being able to tug my shirt whenever they need attention. But if others want to check out - I'm not sure I care. I mean it bothers me that they are plugged in to technology and not a whit is being used to learn what the US is doing to Mexico. But whatever, I can't help that.

That being said - I was at someone's house recently for his birthday. There are 3 kids in the family and it was just so ... eerie! Three kids with their heads down tapping away and reading messages for hours and hours. They looked up once or twice because something in the room actually required their attention (once, their dad called them stupid idiots for what they were doing, and that required a response).

It's not altogether different from when I was a kid and the Walkman was king. But it was just so eerie seeing it. Just staring straight down in openly hostile gestures - "We hate having to be here with you" - to the point that I felt like saying "Maybe they should just go hang out with these people? Because this is freaking me out."

Also the hostility - if you ask one of them a question they look up like an addict who has been separated from the next hit. I don't like doing that to people so I refrained from speaking to them. If they need a fix they should have it.

You still see the occasional young person who (crap when did I start talking about young people as a separate species) has plenty to say and likes to be in the room. It's not really different from when I was a kid. But it sure does feel different. We used phones a lot too; too much. It's just so... CONFORMIST. I think that's what bothers me. I want to scream "Where the hell is your 'Fuck this corporate bullshit' spirit?!?" Personally, I've never been able to have a cell or a beeper back when beepers were everywhere. I actually don't even answer my phone. I just don't like being on call.

PS - I love Bob Dylan

"Ah don't beLEEV you... you're a LAAHyer.."

Syd said...

Bob is right on about this. It's pervasive and is just another way to tune people out. I've read that the kids of today will not have learned out to interact socially because of being tuned in to their IPods, etc. And texting--what's the point?

Sarcastic Bastard said...

Dear Herbert,
Thanks for your astute comments and also thanks for reading.

Love to you,

SB

Sarcastic Bastard said...

Syd,
Thanks for your comment. I agree.

Your vacation sounded wonderful. I am glad you got to get away for a break.

How is your dog doing?

Love,

SB