Often I am joked around with because of the "Manners" that I expect, see, and comment on. I was raised with "such manners". Though I have probably lost some along the way. I have found that recently, more so than ever, I am getting FED up with the LACK of manners that society has. What has happened? I'll tell you...ELECTRONICS!! They are corrupting our society, however fabulous they are, they are turning people into rude, non-sociable, individuals. Our children have NO IDEA what it means to "TALK" to someone unless it has to do with a keyboard and some abbreviation. Look someone in the eye...you must be KIDDING. Call some directly...you want me to do WHAT? Send a letter...what's that? The ART of being polite has totally gone out the window and I think I've had enough!!!
SO...my revenge...I am putting away my cell phone and my email. I'm done!! I usually don't carry my phone around with me anyway, it's mostly in the car...but now....it will be OFF unless an emergency happens and I NEED to make a call. As for emails, they are a great way of communicating, I agree, but now only for church calling purposes. I am taking a sabbatical perhaps for the summer,maybe even longer, we'll see. What am I teaching my own children if I too can't communicate without the use of technology. It's possible, I've seen it, I've lived it, I know it won't kill us...Russell and Brad Wilcox, “Keep Texting from Taking Over,” New Era, Aug 2007, 30–33
Is texting good or bad? It depends on how you use it.
“I am so excited to see my friend again,” one young woman kept telling her parents as she prepared for the special reunion. She had recently returned home after having lived far away. She had looked forward to this moment for a long time.
When the two friends saw each other, they were all smiles. They hugged and laughed as they left together to enjoy becoming reacquainted. However, the parents were surprised when their daughter returned home much earlier than expected.
“What’s wrong?” they asked.
“I was so excited to talk the way we used to, but she just spent the whole time text messaging her other friends.” Her hurt and disappointment were apparent as she declared, “I wish texting had never been invented.”
Like all communication tools, cell phones with text messaging capabilities can be positive or negative depending on how they are used. Stories can be told of a texted birthday greeting that made someone’s day or a disaster that was avoided because someone was warned quickly and effectively in a text message. Still, not-so-positive stories can also be told of teenagers texting their friends during Sunday School or seminary lessons, of people being hurt by the content of a message received, or, as in the example above, of people avoiding or disregarding those around them in favor of texting someone else.
Like e-mailing, texting can be a wonderful way to communicate and build relationships, but it’s not the relationship itself. If texting is managed and kept in control, it can have positive results. However, if it is allowed to take over, it can be disruptive and even damaging.
PS...if you need me, I'll be at home. :D
5 comments:
Hey...you talking about me?? ;) Seriously, you could've just "called" and told me it was bothering you...tee, hee!!
Go Ang!!! I definitely believe that there is a etiquette that should be adhered to when using all of this technology. This is something that I think we could all work on. I admire your goal of taking the summer off . . . Good luck!
My favorite was the family that we saw go out to dinner together and then they all sat there staring at their individual electronic devices and not talking to each other. I can totally see your point here. You're very brave. (And super great at your relationships. I don't think you need to worry about what your kids are learning. They have a good example.)
I suggest you email me because if you call and wake me up during my nap I will have to show you my manners. Just Kidding...Hey wait! You were the one who was yelling at me for not answering my cell phone a couple Saturdays ago. :)
been nice knowing you.
talk to you when you realize --- you can't live without texting me. ;)
Post a Comment