Humanity

Looking at the world it seems as though things are less and less worth it to work for. It goes beyond the President of the U.S., beyond the wars, beyond the famines, etc. As a race, I can't see man as being worth anything. We are so very capable, and there is so much potential in all of us, it's amazing exactly what we could all do, especially if we put our mind to it. We have managed to go from living in caves and huts, hunting and gathering, to walking on the moon, to being able to destroy the planet single handedly (if we so wished to, not that that's a good thing.) The advancements that we've been able to make are incredible, and mind-boggling if you think about it. We have been able to bend and shape the Earth in such a way that it seems almost unnatural. This has all happened in a geological blink of an eye. The dinosaurs ruled the planet for millions of years, proving to be very dominant and resilient creatures. We have ruled the planet for a fraction of that. A National Geographic documentary put it into perspective, in comparison to the dinosaurs, we are just a tick of the clock in comparison. Yet we have done all of this already. That is more than enough proof for me that we are so very capable of so very much. For some reason, though, we have simply stopped. I don't mind war, I don't mind admitting that either. I think it's perfectly natural, and I have some personal theories that I won't go into. I understand that human nature wants to make things difficult at times. Here I'll make a quick analogy. It seems as though mankind is okay with just being adequate. Rome has a rich history and mythology, yet when it took over it's known world, it succumbed to vice and poor management, much like (it can be argued) America and the developed world in general has. On an even grander scale, mankind has succumbed to vice over virtue. We seem to be perfectly happy where we are, and not willing to improve any more. Sure, there are the innovations for convenience, hands free cell phones come to mind, but where are the personal advancements? So few people seem to be up for living up to what they should. It is not limited to race or religion. It is possible to be any race, religion (or not), whatever, and live up to being a good human being. Perhaps it is my bleak outlook on life, or perhaps I've been working in fast food for too long, but from what I can tell, people are happy just settling. Lying is common practice, few people's words mean a damn thing anymore. We are hiding behind technology. There is nothing wrong with social networking online, there is something wrong with people who live differently online and manipulate themselves in such a manner that is not true to whom they are. People are not nearly as willing to get involved in their community any longer, the less interaction the better. We don't mind flaming that guy on the forums who doesn't agree with us, but God forbid we have to talk to some lady over the phone to order a pizza. Let's just go to PizzaHut.com. We don't mind playing online games as different characters, but God forbid we join a community football or soccer team. We join MySpace groups, but God forbid we find some interest groups at the local YMCA or your church, where you can't think before you speak, where there is no filter between your facial expressions and the other person's emotions. There is practically no family value left in the modern world. Mother goes to work, as does Father, they come home and pay the Nannie an extra few bucks to stick around and cook dinner while they finish their work online, and then kiss their kids goodnight. So little emphasis (generally speaking) is placed on child care, from a parental perspective. Most people are happy settling for what they are comfortable with, refusing to step outside of that comfort zone, the very idea that led to our great accomplishments in the first place. Why be happy scraping by a living at work and occasionally going out with the guys for a beer? Why not get your behind our there and DO something? Join some clubs, organizations, go to school (even if it's just for fun.) It's so hard to have faith in people when they are telling you not to at every other turn. This next generation is in great peril (at least here in America.) This is a generation where "emo" is a style that, despite being openly mocked, is catching on. These kids are cutting themselves and brooding because they can't seem to get that endorphin release they crave any other way (though there are many that are simply ignored). This is truly a "lost" generation, though it is just a rain drop in the sea that is this disappointing species. I may just be having a nihilistic moment, and I'm sure I'll anger some people with my words, but that's probably because I just typed as I thought. I did not filter any of this. Almost like a real face to face conversation, minus the facial expressions, body language, voice interaction, and feedback. It's practically the same thing.... Why don't people want to live up to their capabilities? Why don't they want to step out of their comfort zone? Perhaps I should ask myself those questions as well.