Talk to Me

There is little doubt that my grandkids know so much more than I do when it comes to operating all these Internet and social media gadgets. I am always asking them 'how to do this or that.' However, I dare say, they are completely wrong when they embrace the notion that their generation is more connected with others than was my contemporaries.


Here is my contention: It is true that in seconds, this younger crowd can tweet, text or facebook interact globally. The question is: 'Are they more connected?'
In the 1940's and early 50's, we had a telephone 'party-line,' which meant that when you picked up the receiver you might hear two other people having a conversation; the telephone line had two (2) households sharing. perhaps your first thought is that we sacrificed privacy; you would be correct but I dare say, we were 'connected' because we not only knew what was going on in our life but we could eavesdrop and hear who was having an affair, who had gall bladder surgery and which local grocery store carried the best meats; we were connected.' Of an evening, we all sat on the front porch and visited with neighbors walking by or a competitive game of backyard Crockett was the evenings choice; both activities kept us 'connected.'


Of course the week had certain staples as part of the routine and each event kept us very connected. There was Sunday morning worship service with an evening follow up. Mid-week found us back at the Lord's house with Wednesday night prayer meeting. Friday evening families loaded up the vehicle and headed to the local drive in theater. It was a gathering yard with elevated mounds that position the auto for movie viewing. Before the dusk took over and the feature began, parents 'connected' at the swing-sliding board play area at the grassy knoll area in front of the over sized screen. Saturday's were set aside for house maintenance, perhaps a late afternoon picnic or that 'Church Ice Cream Social...we were connected  !


Today, I observe many people side-by-side in restaurants, shopping centers, movie houses, sporting events and my own living room; each often show disinterest in other nearby as they prefer to connect with their handheld phone.