I like the whole idea of being able to take music wherever I go, but I think there is a dark side of ipods. In essence it is just another attempt by the people trying to sell us things to compartmentalise our lives and ourselves. If we have no connections to other people we are more insecure and look for things to fill those insecurities and things that fill our time.
In South Africa this captive market has been very easy to create due to our lack of public transport (at least what all the rich people see as a lack of public transport). We leave home and travel in a small metalic bubble to wherever we are going, and then quickly hurry into the office or shops trying to avoid eye contact with car guards and beggars on our way. The ipod is essentially just the car stereo for people without cars. In Europe where a lot of people (and rich people - at least rich enough to consume) travel by public transport, there was a chance almost daily to interact with other people. With everybody listening to ipods this is difficult. I feel as if I am intruding if I need to ask someone listening to and ipod for directions, and striking up a random conversation is impossible. I think this is why continental Europeans (and all of us really) like to complain. Complaining is a great way to strike up a conversation, particularly with someone you don't know. But that is another story.
ipods enable us to ignore those around us and pretend we didn't hear whatever it is that might make us vaguely uncomfortable. I recently lost my ipod (which wasn't actually an ipod, but in the hopes of diluting Mr. Jobs brand, I will refer to as an ipod). I don't think I'm going to replace it, and see if I have any opportunities to talk to people that I wouldn't normally.
We need to unplug more from all the noise we create in our lives. Hopefully we will be able to hear each other more and create connections that create meaningful lives. Who knows, we might even hear nature in the mix.
This is very badly put together, but I think it is very important. I'll try and think about it a bit and get something more succinct out.
Thanks to Nathalie for making me realise I wasn't completely crazy.
2 comments:
hey-great post Glen-you'b had a bit on your mind eh?! I've also been thinking about this portable music thing-it's ridiculus. I came to this conclusion when, for the umpteenth time, I saw a mountain biker on the slopes of table mountain with these plugs in his ears! I've seen runners and hikers with the same idea. They might as well go to a gym as far as i'm concerned. The voice(s) of nauture are being ignored... nice to have you back!
since you're referring to ipods, there are certain features you should be aware of. Using podcasts and audio books somewhat invalidates your point. i use many podcasts to find out what is happening around the world, and in what interests me. and audio books allow me to "read" books anytime.
are you saying that listening to a bird chirp is necessarily more pleasing then perhaps a book?
nevertheless, it's not the burden of others to entertain you, or listen to you complain because you're lonely. if a person ignores you when they are listening to their ipod, they either don't want to talk to you, or it's a person you wouldnt like anyhow.
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