The dictionary defines realist as: 1. A person who tends to view or represent things, as they really are, 2. An artist or a writer whose work is characterized by realism.
Now you may disagree, however I consider myself a realist. Not a pure realist, but I actually strive to look at all issues, problems and situations with a clear unbiased eye. It’s not easy, I’ll admit.
The incident that got me thinking about this issue happened a few days ago. I stopped at a Starbucks in Manhattan Beach to get a cup of coffee. While waiting I noticed every person seated except one was either pecking away on their computer, chirping on their cellphone or busily texting a BFF–12 coffee guzzlers electronically spending their day unfettered by human contact and interaction.
I was a little surprised that the first emotion I experienced was sadness. Why in the world would this situation cause sorrow in me? I’ve given this all-too-common experience some thought, and have come to what I consider a realistic conclusion. I firmly believe it’s more of a reflection on me and my life experience than those I observed.
I grew up in a time where there were no gadgets or devices to use for communication when you left the confines of your home. You were on your own, and without exception, you had to communicate face-to-face the entire time.
No ability to contact a friend or family member for advice, no opportunity to call home to report in or ask for more time to spend at the mall, and no way to privately stare into a computer screen, oblivious to all-around you.
So what were the alternatives you youngsters under the age of 40 might ask–look someone in the eyes and talk to them! Strike up a conversation with a stranger seated at a table next to you.
Consequently, the undeniable reality that face-to-face, one-on-one communication is a vanishing trend makes me a little gloomy
So what should a committed realist do after the melancholy subsides? They should realize and accept the rationale for the way things are, understand their feelings and acknowledge the reality of the situation, which is what I usually do.
However, I feel compelled to explain firm belief that this unhealthy love affair with technology can prove a negative advancement for mankind and a giant step backward for humanity.
As in most of life’s endeavors and activities the general rule of “moderation” is a good one to follow, whether it’s eating, drinking, working, watching television or staring at a BlackBerry all day. I consider obsession and excess an unquestionable negative in a person’s life.
Intellectually we are all keenly aware of this fact. Sadly, I only see this electronic fixation getting progressively worse. Apple, Microsoft, Samsung and other tech companies are feverishly striving to develop the next breakthrough innovation we just can’t live without.
The question becomes do these mechanisms actually make our lives more rewarding and meaningful?
The diminishing personal qualities I have begun to notice in our techno generation include poor grammar, reduced vocabularies, lack of eye contact, deplorable writing skills and the inability to carry on a coherent conversation for a sustained period of time.
However, the pragmatist in me understands it’s just the normal flow of generational alteration that is never-ending. And therein lies the beauty of being a committed realist.
No matter how grave or disturbing a given situation becomes, the rational, pragmatic, clear-thinking mind adjusts and prevails.
My parting advice for budding realists–strive to view all situations and observations through a clear unfiltered, unbiased lens.