When the Homily is about Immunology

Expectations and Ipods

I've noticed something about my behavior (perhaps you can relate), that when I have social expectations placed upon me to "do the right", I am far more likely to do it. For instance: having started a Vanpool recently, I've noticed that since I am relied upon by numerous other people to drive them to work, that I am MUCH more likely to get up on time and be present at work. I am also MUCH less likely to call in "sick" (if you know what I mean).

In general, I think that when we have expectations clearly presented to us by others, we are more likely to meet them. And it makes me wonder about the direction our society is headed when less and less expectations are being placed upon people. Divorce: no big deal. Sex outside of marriage: no big deal. Pornography: heck its often on our billboards and network TV. You can create your own litany of examples, I am sure.

I think I see in the massive quantities of people wandering about the streets of downtown Seattle with ipods stuck in their heads an example of our splintering society. There is a difference between the "rugged individualism" we Americans have traditionally held to (and I laud), and the modern individualism of no-fault freedom that is becoming rampant. As we celebrate "diversity" and "alternative" lifestyles, we further isolate ourselves from one another and further deny that we actually do play roles UPON one another - even if we ignore each other as we pass, being enamored with whatever soul pounding beat is being hammered into our skulls via the Steve Jobs brain interface device. Into that realm we disappear and so do those walking around us...our own little worlds, our own little soundtracks...freedom to do what we like.

Is it any wonder we see people feeling more and more free to act upon their passions, however horrific they may actually be? Yes, I believe we ARE seeing more and more horrific crime and more and more blatant outpouring of people's inner and often twisted desires. Life is all about US, as individuals. Government provides for us...takes care of us...so that we are free to practice whatever sickness we may wish to practice. Safe in the world of our ipods...no expectations...no eye contact...and certainly no conversation. What have we to do in life, but to make ourselves happy? When was the last time you heard someone talk SERIOUSLY and without laughing about "duty"? Yeah, I thought so.

We have raised up a "me" generation, no doubt. And really, I'm not sure there is much hope in changing it. So ridden with our sense of entitlement, we have completely enshrined modern individuality and completely sacrificed all notions of the old "rugged individualism." The latter, I think understood the importance - not of "diversity" but of societal cohesion of shared values and expectations...which included taking care of yourself, without slapping on an ipod on and ignoring your neighbor.