On this - my fourteenth attempt - I believe I've nailed it.
For this barren month without a single national holiday, how about we declare August 1 as National Technology Turnoff Day? Given how uphill this battle is likely to be, I propose we start with just the two steps below. I welcome any ideas you have for ways to build momentum here.
1.) No device of any kind permitted in any public place on August 1. Just as we now ban smoking in public places year round, on August 1 only, the same goes for cell phones, tablets, laptops, etc. Picture families speaking to one another in restaurants, every train compartment being a quiet car, etc.
2.) In residences, private citizens wishing to show support for the technology turnoff alert family, friends, guests, etc. that no devices are allowed in their home on August 1. Imagine conversations uninterrupted by ringing phones or buzzing text messages and people relying on their memories to recall information. In a private residence, any fact in dispute can be settled via a reference book (dictionary, Atlas, encyclopedia!) or can wait for an answer until August 2.
As attached as I am to all thirteen holiday proposals I've made here on August 1 beginning in 2012, this one could be my favorite. That said, I purposefully waited to publish this post until just before August 1 became August 2. Wanted to be sure you read it - probably on August 2 or later - i.e., after National Technology Turnoff Day had ended. My ubiquitous rants about technology's intrusive and distracting effects on modern life and relationships always exclude my blog.
"Do I contradict myself? Very well then, I contradict myself. I am large, I contain multitudes.": Walt Whitman
Pat--I totally support the idea of a tech turnoff holiday. But maybe for me it's a little self-serving--a holiday like this would provide cover for people like me who can't keep up with all the emails, texts etc. I have been secretly celebrating this holiday on and off for years. So let's make it official and get it on the calendar.
ReplyDeletePlus--I love the idea is so much I might have to steal it for a writing prompt--if you don't mind. I'd give you full credit of course. : )
Regina; Thanks for the support and please feel free to "steal" the idea in this post as a prompt. If you do that, maybe others will stop and reconsider their slavish attachment to their phones and devices. Only good things can come from that. And you're welcome for the plug for your Substack page (re your comment directly below). I guess I'm one of those "closet weirdos" you mention since I see myself sometimes in your musings. Oh well, I've certainly been called worse.
DeleteAnd I forgot to mention: Thank you for linking my Substack on your homepage.
ReplyDeleteI so appreciate it--you truly are a mensch.
Maybe not everyone wants to read about Suffering School but there's always that closet weirdo like myself who can relate.
I too support this idea. I have never done this "officially" but unofficially especially when I travel or attend a retreat. I intentionally do it for portions of most days so rather than one day without devices, I have hours on many days during the year. This keeps me grounded and sane. BTW, August 2nd is my anniversary- 44 years!
ReplyDeleteInes; Thanks for the comment and support. "Officially" or not, I commend you for going without your devices from time-to-time. I sincerely believe doing so is healthy. And big congratulations on your 44th anniversary today!
DeleteHey Pat. I do love this idea. Does it age me if I said that it harkens back to when things were simpler. I mean despite using the word 'harkens' - lol. I have a feeling each generation has things about their past that they would like very much to be able to relive. We had nothing close to what there is available these days when I was in my teens. The biggest 'tech' item we had in HS was when the school bought a video player/recorder. And it was a Beta Max that was huge and was chained to the top of a very large 19 inch TV on a rolling cart. To think that it was thought that someone would actually try to steal this thing. But that was the big thing back then. Now, I will admit that if I forget my cell phone at home, I'll run back to get it. Not because I have to read my email, or check Facebook, but because I want to be available in the event someone - wife, kids, grandkids, etc - needs me. But I support your idea for a tech free day - with some exceptions.
ReplyDeleteBe well,
Bob
Bob; Glad this idea has at least a little resonance with you. And BTW, I love that word "harkens".
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