Ok, so I'm on this expression kick and by that I mean I've become very interested in how and why people express themselves in certain ways. I seem to express myself the most online (especially emotionally)! I guess I feel a certain sense of security behind a computer screen that leads me to be more honest whether it's chatting (IM) or just posting my thoughts digitally in blog or micro blog form.
Well I have recently noticed the large amount of self expression that can be found on bathroom walls. It usually contains crude jokes (which is probably the most enjoyable place for them) but can also include anything from political ideas to general bullying to sexual expression/experimentation. I have even taking to recording the bathroom "wall posts" on my flickr account. I love when people utilize a new or unusual medium to express themselves. I mean really, ask yourself what else is there to do in a public bathroom stall (other than the obvious)?
It really makes me wonder, because a lot of people write things like invitations to party's and phone numbers. Are these people trying to get a dialogue going. And what about the people who use a bathroom wall to just express themselves? Is a response welcomed (even a negative response?) or do you feel that people who comment on your stall art encroachment on your personal expression space?
I really don't know, but I think this age old method of self expression is very interesting! Check out what I've seen so far.
Ok, so more on this whole technology thing. I know I just talked about begin caught up socially in all things internet based, but I just found a new Microsoft Advertisement. Not social networking, but an integration of all things computer into every aspect of our lives. I loved the idea and thought I'd share their vision of the future. Tables that work as touch screen monitors, computers that download files through sight and multi-lingual smart boards to teach our kids how to love diversity. Looks like someplace I want to be... NOW!
I have placed my self all over the interweb. I have a blog , a Myspace page, facebook, I tweet and I have an account with flickr, picasa, and photo bucket. And those are just the big ones, that doesn't take into account the obscure social sites (i.e. MapMyFitness.com). I have plastered the web with my face, my pictures, my writing, but really: who cares?
I recently went on a trip to New Orleans. It was for "business," but was scheduled right in the middle of Mardi Gras. Well, having never been to Mardi Gras and knowing alot of other people haven't either I tweeted (posted on twitter), my whole trip. Parades, dinners, lunches, aquarium visits, everything. Needless to say the constant pulling out of my iPhone in order to document the lunch I just ate or the float that just passed, began to get to those I was traveling with. One person even went so far as to ask "really? who cares?"
This blunt statement got me thinking. I tweet whether or not I'm doing something interesting. I update Facebook like it's my job, and I spread my political, religious and other affiliations around Myspace like people SHOULD care what I think. But really, who am I? Who am I to tell the world what's happening in my day to day life or what deep thoughts pass through my brain. I'm not famous, I'm not even that important.
There have been recent study's that suggest that these social networking sights are encouraging people to be more narcissistic, making friendships shallow and vapid, and even ruining the socialization skills of the next generation (Generation i). It makes me wonder what all this will lead to.
I know that personally the social networking sites have made me feel more connected, or at least informed, to the lives of my work/school peers. I may not hang out with them, but because of our "friendship" on Facebook or Myspace I know their marital status, have seen pictures of their kids and could even tell you what they are doing right this moment. Now some may call this Facebook stalking, I consider it getting to know those around me.
This technique is not the norm, but I feel it soon will be. And suprisingly as long as we keep some sort of verbal communication going, I don't think it really matters if we communicate through social sites too. There are people out there who are getting their social validation through these sites, expressing ideas and feelings that they couldn't in a face to face setting. I think that for some, the web allows narcissism, but i think for others it allows them to express themselves with out worry of ridicule or judgment. And for some it's even a place to feel supported. So just because you don't care doesn't mean someone else wont.
So really the answer to the question (Who cares?), may be Nobody, but I know that if nothing else the social aspects of the internet help me to express myself and feel better connected to those around me. I care what I have to say and I believe that every bit of information posted might be applicable to someone some where. So to all those people out there who hold back because they think no one cares. I care. Keep posting. I know I will.
First and foremost, I am Jah Son, a child of God and servant of His Son, Jesus Christ. Secondly, I am a psychologist, writer, photographer, and student. I exhibit all pieces of my self in everything I do, work, school, or fun. Life is about living and being who you are!
Life is all about making a relevant change for the betterment of humanity and for the generation that follows. Life should lead you to change the world, and the minds of those around you. The world needs revolutionary change and I plan to be apart of It.
“You must be the change you wish to see in the world” - Mahatma Gandhi.
Lastly, I’m a techhead. I live on the Internet and thrive in a gadget filled world. I try to be up on the newest tech news, to stay on the forefront of change.
“This is not just engineering and science. There is art, too!” – Steve Jobs
.JPG)
Posts
