People Ignoring People

       Recently New York City introduced a ride share program for taxis, sort of a halfway point between taking the subway and paying in full for a taxi. I can't tell you exactly why they introduced this program because, alongside the article, in bold bullet points, is a rather more interesting sidebar. It's a list of tips on how to deal with fellow riders (because of course, living in New York, we readers obviously have no clue on how to interact with other human beings).
       Tip number one is fine; don't talk on your cell phone. I personally think that cell phones should operate under the same rules as cigarettes, but a shared automobile is a start at least.
       However, tip number two is far more sinister.
       The article suggests that if you are riding with someone who "insists on conversation" (a truly horrifying scenario), you should "take out your iPod," (you do have an iPod, right?) or "feign interest in a text message."
       If this doesn't bug you, then you didn't actually read it. You probably scanned it, as you do with most blogs. But this isn't a blog. Go back and read it. If it still doesn't bother you then you should stop reading altogether and query some incoherent, improperly punctuated and misspelled mishmash of words (of which the internet has plenty). I'm sad to assume there will be frighteningly few of you left.
       I have no problem with mp3 players (though I am nostalgic for the days when people played their music proudly through boxy ghetto blasters). What bothers me more is the actual, physical barrier they create. If you see a pretty girl by herself, ear-buds properly placed, or phone held firmly against her ear, well, you're not going to be talking to her until those batteries die (an unfortunate occurrence that electronics producers have gone great lengths to prevent).
       There are, of course, tactics and tricks one can devise to break down these barriers, if one were so inclined. But overall, technology has driven the majority to shirk in-person social skills in favor of developing their digital interactions. We're creating devices which constantly make it easier to communicate with those who are not-present. Why? I'd imagine it's because we already have the most streamlined, flexible and convenient means with which to communicate to the people who are present.

       As I write this, absorbed in yellow 4x8 pad, I can see two people leant close to one another, sharing the limited length of wire between them, heads bobbing with the music. Smiles synthesizing harmonies.

       The moral of the story? iPods don't ignore people.  People ignore people.