The age of technology

Since when did the availability of technology and the instant post allow anyone to trash another simply because they don't like them? The anonymity of the "user name" does not give permission to spew venom because there is a difference of opinion or because there is a personality clash.

Since when did it become easier to wish someone a happy birthday on FaceBook rather than pick up the telephone? Seriously, have we become that uncomfortable with the sound of the human voice? Have we become so egocentric that we can't make the time to speak with each other because that would allow another's perspective to interfere with own?

Are we reaching a point that all communication between humans will be in the form of the written word (i.e. texting, Tweeting, FB, etc.) rather than spoken? Given this thought, the behaviors of the current generation, and Darwin's loosely interpreted theories, are we facing a silent future? Are we facing a future of silence because we will have lost the ability to carry on a conversation? Will vocal chords become extinct?

Each day I watch my students text themselves silly - they're texting a kid sitting next to them! When I ask why, the answer is: it's easier. Are you serious? Sadly, they are.

Occasionally, one of them will tell me what they've read on yet another "reality blogging" site - (think mySpace - such a misnomer! Its not "my" space- it's EVERYONE's space!) You know, the ones where these kids are cyberharassing each other or on many occassions, their teachers.

One student, when she didn't get her way in a choice of classes, called one of her teachers the "C" word - and then proceeded to say something to the effect that she wanted to do this teacher bodily harm - as in causing her to stop breathing!

Had I found out about this before this intelligent creature graduated, I would have reported this to the police! Sadder still, not a single one of the recipients of this highly intelligent post reported this student to their school! They accepted her behavior as acceptable! It was afterall, "just words.

I recently ran across blogs on a local newspaper site. As my students say OMG! Anonymous bloggers, under the guise of free speech, took it upon themselves to vilify a local official. You know, if you feel that strongly about someone, you really should use your name. Don't hide behind a user name. If you believe that passionately, why not let the world know your name? Anonimity in this sense is actually cowardice.

Anyway, dear reader, the reason for this little bit of "soap-boxing" is a post I found about myself. One student has vilified me on more than one site, because I asked them to go to class. Imagine the audacity of teachers who actually do their job by getting kids into the class room instead of socializing in the halls! The nerve!