About Separate Not Alone
Post 1966:
When a person these days, young or old, looks over and into the world, what do they see? Something to belong to or something to turn away from?
If there’s a correct reaction to the situation we find ourselves in, it’s worth trying to figure out. I hear more and more that people feel more isolated than ever before. This doesn’t sound good. Especially when it doesn’t make a huge amount of sense on its face. There are more people than ever. There are more ways to connect than ever. Shouldn’t we all feel an overwhelming sense of community? Why is isolation becoming so pervasive?
Well, let’s take a stab at it. Now that we’re crowded on top of one another and everyone can see our lives online, it feels like balls when no one notices. Instead of being rejected or not taken seriously by the village, we’re rejected by the whole world. That’s how it can feel, anyhow.
Of course, this isn’t really real. And it’s mostly (understandable) narcissism and insecurity playing tricks on our minds.
But there are people who are noticed. They have a million followers. People comment and care about what they say and do, whatever that may be. It almost doesn’t matter what it is, as long as it’s something. We’re not born publicists, but society seems to drive us toward the occupation.
Being noticed is mostly a game, childish and silly, lacking substance or true meaning. Obviously, the best thing to do is reject the whole inane mess. That should do the trick. Be your own person. Not because it looks rebellious, but because it’s the right way to go.
Problem solved… not really. Because rejection of society comes with its own stack of problems. Very few are naturally inclined to separate themselves physically or mentally from the herd. It can be disorienting, and even if done with a good and true heart, there are inevitable downsides. Rejection and isolation can become a vicious circle that drives a person farther and farther from the campfire. Some can handle it out there on their own. But it takes practice. Also, it’s good not to get bitter at those still sat around the flames.
The point of separating yourself is not to be alone. It’s to be okay alone or with the group. To be able to handle the quirks of collectivist thinking and behavior because you know when the world gets a little too worldy, you’ll be okay, off to the side for a little while.
It’s tough when the world changes. But I don’t think we’re getting the worst of it. The challenges of social integration and/or isolation aren’t much compared to that stage in human development when we went from hunter-gatherers to farmers. There were a lot of farmers crapping on hunter-gatherers back then. Hunting was shunned. Gathering was laughed at.
Something to think about. Also we have shoes. Stay yourself. But don’t get weird about it. Cheers and see you after.
