Do you remember when there wasn't a reason to bury our heads in our I-Phones, I-Pads,Laptops and T.Vs? Believe it or not, the items listed above didn't exist at one point in time.For hundreds of years, people have found ways to entertain themselves without modern technology. Why is it that this generation of people--supposedly more intelligent and innovative are so dependent on a gadget for amusement? Think back to the 1990's, the very first Mac Desktops were equipped with nothing but slow, dial up internet, and a word processing program. My dad rarely used the computer and my mother didn't even own a computer. I barely looked at the computer. It is definitely possible to find non-technological entertainment; it has been done before. Why is it so hard for us to tear our faces away from brightly lit screens and face the naturally glowing sun? Slow, summer days, have no reason to exist. Yes, I realize this entry is a contradiction to my assertions, but it is the best tool for conveying my opinions and realizations.
I spent my first ten years of life like many other children at the time outside at the park or with toys. The days always flew past me; To my surprise the glorious mornings would always, somehow, fade away into an evening sunset. To me breakfast and dinner were separated by minutes. As much as I love emerging into an adult, I miss the innocent, imaginative, care-free world of my childhood. I miss being easily amused and entertained.
Today has been a typical teenage summer boredom day. We've all experienced this. Parents are at work, leaving you without a car, and somehow all of your closest friends are busy. Just my luck...When I was young child, this would have been the best day ever! I would have been playing with Samantha, Kit Molly, and even Barbie! All day, eating whatever I wanted to! But now, I mope around the house, melting my brains with my I-Pod, Laptop and T.V. This mind-numbing rotation of technical devices made me think about my childhood days and I went straigtht to the closet to resurrect my American Girl and Barbie Dolls. It was like leaping into a time machine-I was immediately transported back into my playroom with my toy friends. I suddenly remembered all the imaginative, spontaneous plot lines and stories I would invent for the dolls and the different voices I'd supply them with.
Why does growing up imply the sacrifice of childhood imagination, curiousity and openness? Why does society urge us to abandon all of those great qualities? I strive to have a balance of imaginative child qualties and responsible, mature adult qualities. Life is a balancing act. Everyday this statement is becoming increasingly true.
