A couple of days ago, a music artist who I like, Willow Smith, produced a new album and there was one song on it that stood out the most to me. The song was called 'Time Machine' and during the entirety of the song she goes on about how she would want to go back in time if she was able to acquire a time machine. The way she depicts the song makes life seem so much better ten to twenty years ago. Although I like the song for its beat and rhythm, I especially admire the message within it.
Once I got deeper into the song, there were a few verses that stood out to me the most. Within one of them, she exclaimed, "I don't care what anyone says/everyone is disconnected these days" and I absolutely agree with her. People, especially teenagers aren't going outside as much, and would rather stay indoors. The main cause of this is most likely technology, cell phones specifically. Smith mentions how people tend to go on their phones to feel less alone. Even in public spaces, instead of interacting with one another we sometimes choose to just stay on our phones. I don't know, it may be a coping mechanism to hide something, but it definitely has a toll on our social relationships. This song is a true work of art, due to its melody and the point it's trying to get across.
-Ma Khi Boyd
I would have to agree with you on some, but not all of your points. Yes, in stressful situations we often turn to our phone to cope however this is only because it is the equivalent of having a portable friend. I know that sounds bad, but hear me out. If you were to go to a party in which you only knew one person, likely you would stick with them until you were comfortable enough to go put on your own and make a new friend or two. Now say that you didn't know anyone at the party, you have the option of awkwardly introducing yourself to new people or going on your phone. Most people will opt for the phone because it is something that they know. Once they become adapted to the environment, that mentality may change.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I do not agree with the lyric "I don't car what anybody says/everyone is disconnected these days" Its not that everybody is disconnected, it is that we are connected in a way that is vastly different than it used to be. Ten to twenty years ago, everybody had to go outside because their parents did not want them in the house being destructive because they were bored. Now, children are able to entertain themselves in various consoles and gaming devices. They can connect with friends down the street or across the globe with out ever having to see them. Call that a good thing or call that a bad thing, the point I am trying to make is that the son has the right idea, but wrong execution.
Wow I'm so happy to come across a fellow willow smith fan ! I loved that album and song as well. Anyways, I totally agreed with the whole message of the song. Essentially, Willow feels as if she's born on the wrong generation and glorifies the 80's and 90's. A time where social outings required everyone to engage in conversation. My thought process is similar to Ms. Smith so I feel the same way. I really believe I've been born in wrong generation. I don't have the energy to keep up with the norms of our society.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your thoughts on the song. While technology has helped us with connect with people online it has also greatly diminished our real life connections and the ability/will to create them. Now when teenagers hang out everyone is mostly on their phone, it's boring and sad that this is what we've come to. Real life sociability has been tarnished so now what's left to do but imagine ourselves living in an era without cellphones and advanced technology. Also that sounds like a good song I'll have to check it out along with the album.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with the quote you took from Willow's song that describes the separation everyone has in today's society. Years ago, children played outside with their neighbors and other random people until it got dark out. Today, the majority of what we see is one side of a person on social media. We see what they want to be known for, not everything that they are.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I have to disagree with you saying teens do not go outside as much. My friends and I would much rather prefer going out and about over staying inside. This summer I have gone to the park many times and have done other fun activities with family and friends. Though it is not the same as the generations prior, we are not completely different in our ways of entertainment.