The World in Your Pocket

Recently I have been cell phone shopping. I already have a phone, but it's about three years old, and I'm beginning to feel slightly outdated with all the new gadgetry out. Not to mention Rogers Pay-As-You-Go is only cheap if you pretty much NEVER have your phone on.

I used to keep it under $15 a month quite easily... when I was pretty much stranded at my farm anyway. Now, I'm finding myself out and about in the city a lot, with an amazing boyfriend from another school I try to keep in contact with, and it's getting more pricey.

I've found little hidden costs in my own plan. I've kept it very basic, no voicemail or anything. just calls and text, and it's free to receive texts. But I get charged 30 cents for every missed call (so don't call me, guys! Text me and I'll reach you!), among other arbitrary means of stealing my money.

Three other members of my family also need phones soon, so we've even considered family plans. Yeah, um, don't bother. They are no cheaper. Plans are advertised as low as $15... before caller ID, voicemail, and other features. I've lived without voicemail alright up to this point, and I suppose I could keep it up, but I love my caller ID. Many plans won't give you that without an extra $6 a month.

ALL the companies are like this. (Yes, guys, hate to break it to you, even Koodo. They're not so bad, but have you figured out yet that their whole Tab thing really is just another contract?) I've found nothing that would serve me for under $35 a month yet. Not to mention buying the phone itself.

Why can they hike their prices like this?

Because they know we'll take it.

We are all growing extremely dependent on technology and the internet. We'll put up with the cell phone fees and the internet packages because we need them. Or so we've convinced ourselves.

Me, Myself, and I

What do "iPod," "MySpace," and "YouTube" all have in common?
I mean, besides that they are all modern obsessions. Look at the words themselves.

Here, let me help you out:
iPod
MySpace
YouTube

Hopefully you caught it that time.

So here's my concern: Why is our culture so self-centered? Why is it all about us? Am I the only one who sees danger in this way of thinking?

I'm not saying that there are any moral issues with those products themselves. I adore my iPod. They're just exemplary of how deeply ingrained this way of thinking is.

What I do worry about is how this mindset will affect us. First off, I think it's a false mentality. The world does not revolve around you. Sorry to burst your bubble. The are billions of other people who are just as important as you. And know what? You couldn't live without them.

Our culture promotes independence and self-sufficiency like it's going out of style. Frankly, I wish it would. People are dependant on each other. And it's a good thing!

Think of everything that goes into keeping up just your house. Electricity, heating, plumbing, the building itself. I highly doubt you could have even built it all on your own, forget fixing everything.

Even if you did build your house, where'd you get all the materials? Other people!

We need to start treating others with the mindset that they are important to us. The media will always play on our selfishness, because it will trigger our greed. We need to fight it with our attitudes.

So thank you. I need you.