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In a field, nobody is ignoring you
Because nobody knows you're there.
In the ocean, you sort of pray
Nobody knows you're there, because
The sharks could make you less
There if they chose not to ignore you.
Online, everyone is ignoring you
Because you're obviously there, and
Besides, they have better things
To worry about, like how not to be
ignored.
Had myself a half dream / half autonomous rant this morning, waking up to the thought of a friend dying & having to deal with the outpouring of digital condolences on Facebook – and how irritated and mad and conflicted I'd be: how do you tell well-meaning people that you'd rather not read “I'm so sorry for your loss” next to banner ads like {Date younger women!} {Most comfortable boxer-briefs in history!} and {Personal trainers hate him: learn his muscle-building secret now …}, and that I'd rather not waste my grieving brain's last ounces of social self-consciousness debating the moral/conventional pros and cons of either typing “Thank you for your kind sympathies” fifty times or – I shudder – clicking beside a hear-felt post like “He was such a good man. So much promise. If only people paid more attention on the freeway. Life is such a fragile thing at 70 miles-per-hour. God bless.” or worse yet, some half-thought, pro forma bullshit like “Sorry, man.”
ReplyDeleteThe internet is empty social calories: it doesn't feel good – not even 30 setence-fragment comments, not even a hundred , can fill you up like a hug can. One hug. One pair of smiling eyes. That's all it takes to quell the hunger, to whisk away the sense of loneliness: the sense of loneliness that makes us feel ravenous online, because – take your computer and sit in front of a mirror, and watch yourself – it's just you in a cold glow, no matter how many other lonelies are commiserating in your loss or cheering your latest accomplishment news flash … pretending that neither of you is alone.
But we all are, dear. Check in once and a while, but close the lid quickly and – how about this? For every time you log into a social media site, go listen to someone's story in person: give them eye contact (), smile (“lol”), and if it's a really wonderful – or sad – story, give them a hug (“I'm so happy for you!” or “my condolences.”).
*Thanks to Damian (the sky over field), Elliot Erwit (man on field – from “Diana,” 1949), Caitlin (shark ocean) and Julie (shark sketch, color stain ring, Henson & the avatars) for making this collage full.
This poem is really relatable! It made me remember the lack of connection between people over the internet. With the internet and social media networks becoming the main source of interaction between people these days, real emotional connection is traded for artificial acquaintances. In addition, I saw the separation from the word "ignored" from the rest of the poem as emphasizing the isolation that comes with in such a technologically-focused era.
ReplyDeleteI interpreted the references to natural settings like the ocean and a field as positive isolation. Being able to escape from the world is sometimes necessary. I think you did a really good job of connecting the two forms of isolation- the intentional and unintentional- in your references to both nature and technology. If we all took a moment to step outside interact in person, it would be easier to attain the social satisfaction that is not fulfilled online.
You describe the disconnect that occurs in online settings really well. The idea that people ignore people in the process of trying to be noticed is very accurate depiction of how people in our society interact. (It made me think of middle school a bit) The deterioration of real interaction is a scary thought, and I see technology and social media as a cause of an almost childish way of communication.
- Megan R.
Hey, don't insult children! They relate to each other very openly and organically - sometimes self-centered, but also acutely aware of what others are doing in RELATION to them. In this way, their interactions are much more pro-social than online interactions sometimes dysfunctionally become.
DeleteI completely agree that online interaction is such an empty action. While there's no denying that communication through social networking is still a form of communication, it doesn't hold the same fulfillment of the physical world. People post statuses on facebook and pictures on instagram for the sole purpose of getting others to notice the extravagance of their lives. It gets chaotic though as people continuously try to outdo one another, with bigger and better updates about the trivial facts about their everyday schedules. There's a constant need to have to try to prove yourself to others, and the internet provides the perfect stage for such attempts.
ReplyDeleteI also enjoyed your additional comments on this poem, as I can completely relate. Sometimes when I've been on the computer for a long time, I'm struck by the image of my own reflection on the dimly lit screen; my eyes are tired and my mouth is stuck in a perpetual scowl even as I type "LOL".
Stop typing, Amy: the sun's going down.
DeleteIf you stop, then we can both go outside ;)
Clearly, the Internet has created an entirely new element to social interaction that did not exist before. This poem made me think about this, and whether it’s added or detracted to social experiences; it’s interesting to consider how many different ways people use social media, and how they present themselves. Many people use social media because they feel as though they have to, in order to stay in the loop and remain involved with everyone else. But these people attempt to remain hidden under the radar at the same time, not wanting to draw too much attention to themselves and wanting to remain as an observer of sorts, to view what is happening from afar. On the other hand, some use social media to communicate with people and attempt to stand out because they cannot do so in a face-to-face situation. And then there’s always the uncertainty caused by social media, in terms of friendships and any sort of relationship, and all of the barriers it can pose to communication but how it can enhance communication as well. Social media was created with the intention of making communication easier and more entertaining, but for some, it makes communication even more difficult.
ReplyDeleteI love this poem because it explores human beings’ deeply ingrained desire to be noticed and then contrasts this idea with instances in which it’s actually best to be alone. This speaks to me because it acknowledges the fact that although it is incredibly difficult to be truly alone with today’s advancements in technology, it’s healthy to feel comfortable being by oneself. I feel as though contentment while alone is a sign of emotional stability and independence. There is, however, a fine line between being alone and being lonely that nearly everyone experiences sometime or other.
ReplyDelete“Ignorance” discusses the innate feeling of human loneliness and isolation. The speaker discusses the idea of being alone and one’s emotions towards being alone in different scenarios. This poems delves into the human’s desire to not be ignored. I feel that loneliness is one of the only emotions that all people feel at one point in their lives, and ironically, isolation and loneliness are the feelings that connect us and relate to one another. This poem also explores the isolation caused by the advancements in society. In today’s modern technological age, we are more interconnected than ever, however, we are more isolated that ever before. Technology and its role in society has allowed us to create separation between us and makes it harder for us to create real, emotional connections. Technological advances have pushed us apart from each other. Online, we have become so fixated on ourselves that we fail to acknowledge others, furthering the wedge between each other and fueling our obsessions with ourselves.
ReplyDelete