The following is an opinion from an observation I’ve made over the past several weeks while enjoying life on the St. Lawrence River near my hometown, Ogdensburg. I have no business opining about something I know little about, but if you know me or have ever read one of my articles, you are aware that that doesn’t — nor can it — deter me from just spitting out narratives that make little, if any, sense. Pedal to the metal.
And at the risk of ignoring the advice I’m often given by Dr. B. Foley (name somewhat changed to protect real doctors) to quit preaching, I’m going out on a limb and will let ‘er rip. Let’s roll. Dr. Foley, please take a pew.
Society sets age limits for young people before they can do a lot of things. They are not legally allowed to drive, buy cigarettes or alcohol, or make certain decisions without parental consent. Why? In a nutshell, it’s for their own good. (That’s key to my down-the-line proposal.)
At least, that’s the general consensus of reasonable adults. There is a natural instinct to protect the welfare of young people because of their vulnerability. Their brains are still developing; the growing and learning process is evolving. And that instinct to protect them is paramount, a trait not unlike one shared by the animal kingdom … and probably even more so by the likes of the “Rocky” and “Star Wars” movie picture franchises. Speaking of which: How much of a failure were “Police Academy” sequels 28 through 52, eh?! Moving on …
Obviously, parents are the primary caregivers and we shouldn’t need laws to mandate such seemingly common-sense decrees but, let’s face it, parenting is not an easy job. Some tough decisions have to made on the fly and young individuals need suitable guidance to fit their personal issues and the different problems that might arise.
As an example, without navigational tips, it wouldn’t be a good idea to adopt a steady diet of Cheetos, Slim Jims and Budweiser. It isn’t in the best interests of anyone … well, at least until until you’re … you know … my age.
OK, let’s hop to it. Quite a few years ago I made a comment in one of my long-winded diatribes that garnered quite a few “thumbs up” in my email feedback box. I had mentioned that I witnessed two young girls, not even sure if they were teenagers yet, walking down the street. Each had a cell phone to her ear and was chatting away, seemingly oblivious to the person they were with. About 10 minutes later, I hopped in my truck to go get some Slim Jims, Cheetos and something else, and I passed them again. They were both still on their phones. I was bemused by thought that if a similar scenario played out, where each of those girls were walking down the street with the person they were on the phone with, would they be so engaged and yapping it up, or would they neglect each other and be talking on the phone to the one they were with now and totally ignoring?!
I bring this up because my neighbor on the river has his teenage granddaughter here with him this week. Not unlike most teenagers, she’s been on her phone almost all the time she’s been here. She’s totally ignoring the majesty of the river and the splendor that Mother Nature has laid out in this neck of the woods along the river valley. (No relation.)
Trying to visit with her was futile because it was a one-way conversation. I started to wonder what other social skills cell phones are robbing from our youth. “Gosh, that’s a good question.” She seemed so disconnected with the moment and appeared to be totally uninterested in the reality of life and what was going on around her beyond the existence of the distantly manifested fringe relationships provided by her cell phone. And therefore …
I suggest an age limit — like we do for previously cited circumstances — before our youngsters are allowed the full, far-reaching usage of the modern-day cell phone. Technology can surely come up with some sort of ginkus adapted for younger people. I get the beneficial quirks, the safety side of the equation they play in this day and age, but I’m sure some sort of limitations could be implemented in a junior model to eliminate the under-the-radar damage that overusage can cause to young brains yet to fully mature. Just sayin.’
That’s it. Go in peace. The sermon has ended. Burp.
And that’s the way it looks from the Valley.