I would quickly acknowledge technology as a critical key in the advancement in medicines, health care and surgical improvements, which subsequently has increased the quality of life and longevity we Americans enjoy. Praise God and hats off to the dedicated researchers and inventors.
That said, I doubt that these technological advancements have done anything to improve the social aspects of our nation. In fact, I believe that much of our technology has created a greater chasm amongst our people. Never in my lifetime have I seen a more profound difference between people's viewpoints, feelings and persuasions. These differences have slowly manifested into mean spirited , ugly discourse and expressed hatreds.
Such dispositions can only develop when a society becomes less engaging on interpersonal communication levels. Our 'phone may be smart' but our insatiable appetite to use them has made us narrow-minded recluses. We don't visit with neighbors or even family as we once did. We watch too much television seeking cable news which re-enforces the very differences and animosities, which we hold against one another. We have become self-absorbed in our own ethnocentric attitudes. Expressions of pleasantries have given way to a propensity for quick and obnoxious anger. Why would not our elected officials dismiss compromise...they are a reflection of their constituents.
Sadly, the only time we Americans have the inclination to come together is under tragic circumstances. We respond in unity when natural disasters strike or terrorists fly airplanes into our buildings.
We all need to watch television re-runs of 'Cheers' and 'Frasier.' At least we might come together
around the water-cooler the next morning after the night before episode and share recall laughter as we did once upon a time.
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