Hobbies, Video Games, DVDs & Social Change

We all know that society is in a constant flux and as the generations pass, new trends, fads and who knows what, become popular and then fade away. Yet throughout the generations, one thing remained constant to each and every family in this nation. Children played and caused all kinds of havoc while playing outside. It is that love of the outside that seems to be fading away as we become a nation of couch sitting, bed loving, slugs who no longer enjoy the bright outdoors. If fact, it seems the only reason to go outdoors anymore is to do our bit of traveling to go to school, work or at best for a rare day at the beach or amusement part being entertained by the activities of others. So we must ask ourselves, just when did we become so lazy and what have we done to our children?

An easy answer would be to blame those sick individuals who we see on the news each and every day. These are the people who kidnap the young and venerable then perform unspeakable acts before disposing of their victims. So in response we keep our children close kidding ourselves that it is in their best interest. Yet, all that seems to have accomplished is create a new generation of adults who no longer love the outdoors and the understanding of how nature works. If fact, I once overheard a conversation of a woman who was determined to save a bit of money growing a garden, but was hesitant do so. Her reason for the hesitation was the fact that she could not find the variety of vegetable that developed into cans when they ripened. I know, people can’t be that dumb, but in all honesty, it is a true story and she was deadly serious and I have run across dozens of individuals who wouldn’t eat any vegetable that actually grew in the dirt. They only wanted the vegetables that were grown dirt free. They didn’t want any of those diseases that were contained in the dirt.

But it is worse than that, we now have families that never venture into the great outdoors for any reason at all. The nearest they get is the backyard barbeque on the patio. These people not only have no desire to learn about the outdoors, but they actively discourage any such activity in their children. This may be the result of the last few generations of giving the responsibility of raising and watching our children to the television, but I feel that it goes further than that. In our busy lives, what is easier than corralling a few excitable children and feeding them a steady diet of video games, DVDs and television? You have a captive and quiet audience that gives you no trouble until it is time to eat and a simple call for pizza would solve that. Giving us plenty of time to do as we wish and selfishly spend our time not on our children, but on activities that we enjoy. Perhaps this is why there is such an outbreak of hyperactivity and ADHD in our schools today. No one is familiar with how rambunctious children can be and when they are unable to sit still as children are prone to do, they freak out and medicate as a way to solve the issue.

No matter what the reason, it has become clear that we no longer have a nation of young eager adults who embrace what nature has to provide and look forward to what could be. Instead we have a nation of empty-headed individuals who look to be entertained by our leaders and provided the basics in life. What’s worse is they are now approaching voting age and will soon decide the future of those of us who are now getting older. How do you think that is going to work out?

Enjoy!