A Generation of Linuses

I've been struggling lately with my prejudice against cell phone users who treat them as a pacifier or a security blanket. I do think they are a necessary accessory in today's busy world, but balk at the constant usage I witness while observing the young 'uns on my campus.

Whether walking, eating or studying, the cell phone is always at the ready, or firmly affixed to the hand/ear, connecting with some other fool who can't think of a better way to waste time.

I think my prejudice stems from the fact that I've seen this trend spread like a virus in recent years. I know I sound like grandpa reminiscing about the good 'ol days, but "I remember a time when there were no..."

It's always hard to accept change, and this constant plugging in to interact with others is something I just don't understand. Whatever happened to self-reliance, self-reflection and what I think is the crux of the epidemic, self-confidence?

The funny thing is, I'm quite hypocritical about this issue. Both times I transplanted myself to Japan, I couldn't live without my 携帯. I think I apply the double standard to my country because I've had to endure this change much like a woman does wrinkles as she hits her 30s. Like cell phones in America, there's no use protesting: they're here, they're not going away, and they will continue to take hold.

Perhaps why I didn't mind cell phones in Japan is the fact that when I landed there, I found them to be a necessary part of cultural communication, and to fit in I jumped on the bandwagon. I yearn for those messages of, "今どこ？" or "仕事が終わってから食べにいく？"

All said, I guess I really am no different from my younger brethren here. It just depends on the country.

Today's wish: That the homework fairy will descend upon me, wave her magic wand, sprinkle her fairy dust, and POOF! Finish my assignments for me.