In many posts, we’ve shared our own experiences with people becoming more distant with each other — whether it’s not making eye contact; not returning a “hello”; or failing to say basic phrases such as “I’m sorry,” “excuse me,” “thank you,” and “yes, please.” I know this is not limited to Sacramento, but is there anything we can do about it?
With as much technology as we have to stay in touch with each other, we are somehow disconnected with our fellow man. I worry about kids these days who don’t actually go outside to play with their friends. Rather, they sit at home and make comments on each other’s MySpace pages (I’m so old that I actually called it “The MySpace” the other day), or folks at the gym wearing their iPods and staring at the TV when it’s a perfectly nice day to spend time in the fresh air with family or friends.
I’m not saying we should all get together for a group hug, that our snarkiness on the Rag should lessen, or we lose our backbones and start getting all PC, but a little common courtesy and friendliness go a long way.
I’ll start by saying that I’m sorry to the 95864-er commenter. My quick-to-judge assessment of fellow Peet’s customers meant no ill-will toward other parents who want the best education for their children. Just because I’m jealous of their Sierra Oaks digs, perfectly blown-out hair, and seemingly infinite financial resources doesn’t mean I should unwittingly cast aspersions on all. Besides, I encounter these people in the morning — it’s not fair to judge, especially when I’m not at full capacity for patience and am thinking about meetings and impending deadlines. It would be like if you judged me based on a runner or two who got in your way while driving or on your bike.
Sure, your day might be easier by pretending that nobody else exists. The way I see it, there are a lot of nasty things going on in the world, and it’s just a little more comforting knowing that we’re all in this together and not just individuals vying for the last dose of half-and-half at the busy coffee counter during the morning rush.
The Sac Rag 
I think the best way to combat social isolation is to continue being social, lead by example. This condition as it afflicts our society is one that has developed over several decades and I think it will take several more to turn it around. I find an amusing amount of irony in that you have posed this question on a web page.
I personally believe that since this society peaked in the late 50’s early 60’s, there has been a concerted effort to divide, then ultimately conquer the people of this country.
LikeLike
I agree about continuing to be social. When I was in school, the woman who worked in the computer lab I frequented was always a sourpuss. She never smiled and never acknowledged my greetings. I decided to continue to be friendly despite the cold response. She changed very slowly as the semester went on; from glancing up, to a brief smile, to finally returning my greeting. I was so happy I hadn’t given up on her. One Friday as I was leaving, I said, “See you next week,” and she said she wouldn’t be there. She was going to be out of town to testify in the trial of the guy who killed her daughter! At that point I was REALLY glad I hadn’t given up on her! She pretty much gets a lifetime free pass from me ANY time she feels antisocial. After that experience, I try to give people the benefit of the doubt.
LikeLike
Man, acz, that was deep.
LikeLike
I think that we should start a national socialist movement. With a platform like this, all we need is a charismatic leader to take over!
LikeLike
There’s book out now that explorers the way we form communities differently. Of course, I don’t remember the name of the book or the author, so helpful.
But I heard a rather lengthy interview with the author, who argued that we don’t form social networks around geographical centers or service groups any more, but rather around specialized interests — like running, collecting Barbies or (in my case) training and showing dogs.
LikeLike
Hey Faux,
Do you have any tips for training my 13 week old puppies?
LikeLike
“Dogs For Dummies.” Great book. And get in a puppy class. FourPaws has some good ones that meet in McKinley Park, but there are others.
LikeLike
Thanks!
LikeLike