Dog food.

Photo by: Tim Bindner Photography

Today I am going on a bit of a rant.  I apologize in advance.

I went after work today to pick up a 35lb bag of dog food and a 5lb bag of dog bones for my dog.  The food obviously weighs 35lbs and is fairly bulky.  I normally grab this, throw it on my shoulder and head to the checkout counter.  Today was no different.  I arrived noticing a woman completing her transaction, another couple behind her and then me.  No big deal.  The first lady completed her transaction and then began to strike up a conversation both with the checkout girl and the lady behind her.  I watched as not only did the checkout girl continue conversing with the first customer, but she made no attempt to progress the line forward to the couple in front of me.  All three customers had looked in my direction a few times but continued on with their conversation.  Next, I noticed another employee walk up to the same register I was waiting on, type something on the computer, and join the conversation as well.  I then started to bear hug the dog food while patiently (on the outside) waiting for this line to move.  After about five minutes the lady in front of me said “oh you can set that down here” about the same time the second employee moved to another register stating “I can help whoever is next”.   Again this was after standing there for at least five minutes.

I am not a saint.  Actually far from it, but I have the common courtesy at the grocery to allow others to go in front of me if they have fewer items, appear to be in a hurry, or have fussy children.  I also do my best to hold doors for people, say thank you, and sometimes yes sir/ma’am.  I am a large man, but even I know that 40lbs worth of stuff gets heavy quickly, and I would have offered if the situation was reversed for someone to move in front of me.

Normally I might chalk this up to a single incident but this has happened to me quite often.  I do not understand why people no longer care about others.  Our culture now has become about ‘me’ and my needs and the heck with others, no matter how inconvenient.

I moved over to the other counter, checked out, paid and walked out with a smile and a thank you to the girl behind the counter.  As I passed the original lane I was in the four people I mentioned before was still there talking with another person taking my place in line.  I looked back to see the girl that had checked me out, had walked away from her register already.  I guess my replacement in line will likely be there awhile.

I made my way back to my car, and thought about the world my son is growing up in.  I was raised to be courteous and respect my elders.  I was taught to offer a hand to others (which now is deemed as offensive) and most importantly, to acknowledge others.  I started the car and one of my favorite Prince songs came on, ironically touching a bit on this subject. “Upload: the evolution principle.  You see a rock on the shore and say it’s always been there.  Download: No responsibility. Do what you want nobody cares. Upload: the master race idea.  Genetically disposed to rule the world.  Download: a future full of isolated.  Full of isolated boys and girls.”  That last line hits me the most.  I see a generation of people, especially kids, who communicate, socialize and exist via their phones or gaming systems.  I see this with my son, his cousins and his friends.  These modern wonders of technology are killing the human race.  Kids will not know how to interview, lead a face to face meeting, or even communicate with others (that does not involve a phone).  In the above lyric Prince uses Upload as a positive idea or thought, and Download as the negative result of an idea or thought.  “The master race idea” guiding people to better technology, better education, buying more, spending more and going for job titles and status, leads to isolated people.  Focusing on careers, money, houses, new phones, cars, etc., leads us to be isolated from the true basis of human beings such as basic communication, love, friendship and emotional connectedness.  It is good to learn and grow but at what cost?  I know I am a bit hypocritical as I am sitting at my computer ranting about technology, and utilizing technology to get my message across.  But this is being written on a three-year-old computer, which is ancient in the world of technology.

So with that said let me say thank you for reading my blog.  I do appreciate it.  Strive to have a conversation with someone today.  Be it a loved one, a friend, or a stranger.  Put down the phone and talk to someone.  Look them in the eye.  Use phrases like ‘yes sir/ma’am, thank you, and please’.  We need to get away from this selfish and self-centered world.  If the world can’t move back in that direction I will find my solace in the woods.  I have two planned hikes this weekend.  I’ll take my chances with the real snakes and bloodsuckers, instead of the human versions I see on the news and in society today.

Until next time,

Tim