The Slippery Slope of Silliness…
I was listening to the news as per usual and happened across a couple of items that made a person wonder (at least to me that was) as to why it is we can’t seem to arrive on the same page (plain of existence) together. I do believe that we all are truly trying to get to this same place (Wherever that may be: the end of the book, perhaps?) no matter the degree to which we enter the circle (a merry-go-round it may be) from. But for whatever the reason, we all too often wind up under some leafless tree eating our bologne sandwich (with onions, mayo and a cold Pepsi) all by our lonesome self.
Item One:Cheerleaders in the States suspended for having the letters (a letter for each girl) of their team attached to their back sides. At cheer’s end, they would simply turn to the crowd and flip up the skirt. It was my opinion that they were simply having innocent fun with that of their sexuality, nothing exposed, the ladies were fully covered and it was Friday nite at the football game. And now, it is my opinion again, that they are being made to feel dirty. I don’t think they were pushing the line like the some I do see on a daily basis walking down the hallways advertising Lord knows what… too much information, cover up your business please… it most certainly is none of mine.
Item Two: Girl in danger of not receiving her high school diploma for using the Lord’s name (Jesus) in that of her Valedictorian Address.
So now I’m confused (more so than yesterday): Let’s see: You want me to dress religiously but yet I can’t pray? You want me to go to war and die at 18 but I can’t drink or get drunk until I’m 21? You want me to grow up and become my own person only if I behave and act like you? And on and on we go down the road too often traveled.
What does this have to do with ICT: Intelligent Computer Talk? Well in order to traverse, close, or bridge, not only that of the digital divide, but that of all divides, maybe we should start to anti up in the “common cents” department: I mean if we have to trump up every minor situation that we encounter to that of a “Royal Flush” (down the drain please) just to prove to the monkey that he was right in his kicking us from the tree, then all is lost.
What we are talking about here: is how to get computers from that of the a 1st world order into that of a 3rd world order while still sending students to the office for late slips. Why does the teacher need to be told twice that the child is late, did he or she get it wrong the 1st time?
Now factor in money, and all “Common Cents” goes for not…
The digital divide can be crossed if it is found on a horizontal plain; however, if we are talking mountain peaks and valleys, then there shall always be a slippery slope to travel, so we best start learning how to ski. And Hey! Let’s have fun (be a little silly) as we descend away from that of our lofty ideals.
glen said,
November 20, 2007 at 2:04 pm
I saw your entry just after I watched this UTube video. I figure that there is some kind of connection, not sure what. http://youtube.com/watch?v=LkYuUMjCZZw
Anywaise, We went out and saw this guy on Sat night. ( I know, AFK when I should be workin) Bob Evans is an excellent guitarist and this version of Slippery Slope is nice.
berdron said,
November 21, 2007 at 12:17 am
You are right about getting the “common sense” department going about “common cents”. Most divisions are not spending the money to help get rid of the digital divide. I do not know how we convince them to moving on this point.
sunnytechgirl said,
November 21, 2007 at 3:10 am
Interesting thoughts. I must admit it can be pretty difficult sometimes to sort the trivial from the significant and to put up with the silliness. Our principal has one last question when a teacher brings something to the office that’s stomping on their last nerve, “Is this the hill that you want to die on?” After the news (and video) from Vancouver and then the sports competition story from Winnipeg it really makes you wonder how common, “common sense” is. Thanks for making me think.
2aperuse said,
November 21, 2007 at 5:08 am
I read your blog with interest. I believe that everything is possible. Although I am somewhat of a cynic at heart I have always adhered to my own slogan that “it’s surprising what you can do when you don’t know that you can’t” and anonymous’ ( I think)”
” The difficult we do immediately! The impossible … takes a little longer” Silliness is a right … common sense is a responsibility; sometimes a liability. Don’t despair! I’m thinking that this is a generational thing. Frankly, I’m just as glad to have been given the boot from the tree … if it’s a tree we were given the boot from … I’m not much on heights!
oakvilleboy said,
November 28, 2007 at 4:30 am
As humans we have a long way to go in dealing with the hypocrasy of sex and religion, and that’s another rant in and of itself. There is a great deal to be cynical about the use of technology and our use or misuse of it. However, I think we have to be idealistic to promote a cause if we wish to make headway with it. We may end up like Sisyphis pushing the proverbial rock up the hill again and again, but at least we moved the rock.