Thursday, November 23, 2017

Isolation

Most people in America do not realize how isolated they really are.

 In the history of humankind it was customary to have a rich web of lifetime associations, in whose company you all grew old together. These were your extended family, clan members, tribe members, childhood friends, neighbors, cousins, aunts and uncles. You all knew and supported each other for the duration of your entire life.

 Today, In America, we are largely isolated in small superficially associated economic groups where nobody really cares about anyone. We have all lost touch with our childhood friends, early work associates and even our own families. We may have a friend or two and an insurance card for emergencies, but we are mostly isolated in a regulated and licensed society.

 It may seem like family, but family never lets other people live and die in the streets. Family never steals everything and leaves you nothing. Family doesn't cheat and lie and gaslight your complaints with a police car and a deaf ear. Family doesn't try to take your money.

 Look at any anthropology text describing other cultures and read the descriptions of the social networks and family groups. Then reflect on your own life and the lives of the few people you really know.



copyright (c) 2017
William Schaeffer

1 comment:

  1. I am talking to the air. Nobody cares about anybody in the USA anymore. There is no LOVE in America.

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