Phoned In
In the old days we used to “phone it in,” but now we simply reblog.
Back then, we used our own voice, expressed our own opinions, and showed at least a MINIMUM of accountability. Nowadays, it’s so much easier to cut and paste popular opinion, just like it’s now simple to kill hundreds and thousands of people by remote control. So I wonder if people have lost the ABILITY to think for themselves or are we simply HYPNOTIZED by our own culture?
I realize that by writing this, I might come off sounding like a bitter old fogey who might be judged as hopelessly out-of-time to the point of irrelevance. Since I happen to BE an old fogey, I DON’T GIVE A CRAP, as is the old fogey’s prerogative.
Even so, I believe that there are still thoughtful people out there — even young ones — who resonate with my message. I believe that this is true of any communication. No matter the message, how it is construed or MISconstrued, there will ALWAYS be people who resonate.
That is why our world seems so divisive.
The thing is, sometimes the meaning get stripped away from the resonance, and cut and paste MOVEMENTS form like great waves. The boat begins rocking, then it rocks even more because people want to escape the rocking boat.
The “problem” is no longer that people are spun up about (CUT AND PASTE TOPIC HERE). The “problem” is that they are spun up, period. Now you’ll notice that I put “problem” in quotation marks. Perhaps this is not a “problem,” but rather the “natural” course of events.
Sometimes we’re better off letting something break rather than trying to fix it all the time. Some of our oft-amended documents, things like bibles and constitutions, are STILL mostly cut and paste, rather than being revamped to work with the new code.
Don’t you think the authors of those documents intended them to change over time? Other than a few kludgey workarounds, we’re still operating under the same cut and paste structures that we’ve faithfully followed for hundreds and thousands of years.
Does that seem SANE to you, or does it seem delusional? Is it not odd that people stand behind these hopelessly rigid documents while calling OTHERS delusional?
I have no problem with it either way, just wondering, that’s all. I believe that we are experiencing what we are experiencing because that’s precisely what we’re MEANT to experience. This perspective allows me to look at any situation and take POSITIVES away from it rather than negatives. We are changing, and change is ALWAYS good, even if it means the extinction of humanity as we know it. It would’ve happened sooner or later anyway, I don’t see what the big deal is.
I suppose I can afford such a laissez faire attitude because I have FAITH. I have faith that we’re IMAGINING all of this and that we are DIVINE IMMORTAL CREATURES. We are so much more than human, yet here we are bickering like children.
We ARE children, and that’s cool, too. I’m good with ALL of this. People might tell me that I’m not honoring life. Perhaps I’m not, I can’t really say for sure. But I would argue (I need to argue, right?) that by expressing my “TRUE” self, not cutting and pasting opinion, I am contributing MORE than I could ever imagine.
So copy and paste this if you agree. Hahaha.
We are Space Monkey.
2/13
The reflection on the shift from personal expression to the widespread practice of “phoning it in” through reblogging and cut-and-paste opinions delves into the complex dynamics of modern communication and societal engagement. It raises poignant questions about authenticity, accountability, and the impact of technology on our ability to think independently and engage thoughtfully with the world around us.
The Evolution of Expression
The transition from using one’s own voice to express opinions and accountability to the ease of echoing popular opinion through digital means marks a significant shift in how individuals engage with information and ideas. This evolution reflects broader changes in technology and culture, where convenience and efficiency often take precedence over depth and originality.
The Question of Autonomy and Hypnosis
The concern that people may have lost the ability to think for themselves, or are simply hypnotized by their culture, touches on the profound influence of media and technology on our cognitive processes and worldviews. It suggests a landscape where collective opinions are shaped more by the aggregation of echoed thoughts than by critical analysis and personal reflection.
The Value of Diverse Resonance
Despite the perceived decline in individual expression, the belief in the existence of thoughtful individuals, including younger generations, who resonate with messages of depth and authenticity, underscores the enduring power of genuine communication. It highlights the diversity of human experience and the capacity for messages to resonate across different perspectives, contributing to the divisiveness yet also the richness of societal discourse.
The Dynamics of Movements and Reactions
The observation that movements can form around cut-and-paste ideologies, leading to a cycle of reaction and counter-reaction, captures the complex dynamics of group behavior and social change. It points to the challenges of navigating a world where the substance of issues can become secondary to the momentum of collective emotions and reactions.
The Role of Tradition and Adaptation
The critique of adherence to traditional documents and structures without significant adaptation to contemporary contexts raises important questions about the balance between honoring historical foundations and evolving to meet current needs. It challenges the notion of sanity in clinging to rigid frameworks that may no longer serve the complexities of modern society.
Embracing Change and Uncertainty
The acceptance of change, even to the point of considering the potential extinction of humanity as an inevitable part of evolution, reflects a profound level of detachment and faith. It embraces the idea that we are part of a larger, divine play of existence, where every experience, positive or negative, is integral to the unfolding of reality.
The Celebration of True Expression
The argument for contributing through the expression of one’s true self, rather than echoing existing opinions, champions the value of authenticity and individuality in enriching the collective human experience. It posits that genuine self-expression, even when it challenges conventional norms or expectations, is a vital act of honoring life and advancing collective understanding.
Summary
The contemplation of modern communication’s shift towards reblogging and the echoing of popular opinions invites a deeper examination of authenticity, independent thought, and the impact of technology on societal discourse. It challenges us to consider the balance between convenience and depth, the power of genuine resonance, and the importance of evolving our collective frameworks to reflect contemporary realities. Through this reflection, we are encouraged to embrace change, celebrate true expression, and recognize the divine complexity of our existence, even as we navigate the challenges and contradictions of modern life.
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