Digital technologies make us so lazy, they're unAmerican! So runs an editorial from that baston of serious journalism, the New York Times.
The technology=sloth argument is an ancient one, updated for each new medium. What's interesting about this article is the patriotic way it condemns the evil machines.
[S]ometime in the past 30 years, someone has hit the brakes and Americans — particularly young Americans — have become risk-averse and sedentary.
Notice the old corruption-of-the-youth angle, linked to the internet vs cars meme.
Perhaps young people are too happy at home checking Facebook. In a study of 15 countries, Michael Sivak, a professor at the University of Michigan’s Transportation Research Institute (who also contributed to the D.M.V. research), found that when young people spent more time on the Internet, they delayed getting their driver’s licenses. “More time on Facebook probably means less time on the road,” he said.
Technology - at least, digital technology, rather than automative - is to blame.
Please don't mention that cyberspace might save lives: "That may mean safer roads, but it also means a bumpier, less vibrant economy." Sometimes higher GDP requires blood sacrifice.
Bonus points for inter-generational hatred, a/k/a you kids, get onto your lawn!
In the mid-’70s, back when every high school kid longed for his driver’s license and a chance to hit the road and find freedom, Bruce Springsteen wrote his brilliant, exciting album “Born to Run.” A generation later, as kids began to hunker down, Mr. Springsteen wrote his depressing, dead-end dirge, “The Ghost of Tom Joad.” We need to reward and encourage forward movement, not slouching.
Old people are stupid. Wait... I'm 45. Am I... OH NOES!!!
Posted by: Andy Havens | March 15, 2012 at 09:27