Hello steemians, and welcome back to my blog!
This time I was talking to my little niece, she is about 8, hoping I can get some kids "wisdom" and some new discoveries.
I love talking to children and really old people, they always teach me something new. There is something so simple and logical in the way kids think, and they almost always make me re-think some things.
This time I was hoping to have some conversation about school and friends, I'm interested to know how she feels in class, in the playground, with other kids. But to my (obvious) surprise all she wanted to talk about is iPhone 7.
Now, don't get me wrong, I've heard of every phone there is, I keep up with technology, but it was never something that was on my "priority list". And it got me interested to hear why is that phone so special. She told me she needs it to have friends.
And naive me thought: "Oh, you mean to keep in touch, call, text etc..?", but the answer shocked me: "No, to be popular and to make friends"
I am really bad at covering my reactions, and she could see that I was confused so she even tried to convince me that it is a right decision: "But aunt, you look so happy all the time, and have friends, it's because you have money and everyone have to like you. So, I want that phone and when I get it people will think I have more money and they will love me".
I was broken and sad at the same time. I tried to explain that I had no money growing up, no phone, or expensive things and I was happy just as much. I don't have a lot of money now, I always have enough! And the reason somebody loves you has nothing to do with money, they should love you because of your personality, but they don't have to.
Now she was the confused one, and we talked for two more hours on the subject. And the odd thing was, she was listening to me and I was listening to her. We had a desire to understand each other better, but somehow I don't think she fully understood my good intentions.
Maybe I am wrong, and as always I leave a room for it to be my mistake and something I have to work on.
I had a great childhood, that made me the woman I am today, with all it's ups and downs. And I am very happy that money and material things never had much value to me.
What do you think? Am I just getting old and outdated? :)
With love,
Tamara
Nice post!
I am pleased to announce that your post has been featured in Max Curation Edition No.5 published on Steemit.
You can take a look at it HERE.
Congratulations!
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Thank you! That is such good news!
You gained one more follower!
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I wonder if I may have a simplistic read on this... does this signal that younger generations create their personal connections through technology as much as they do in person. I mean, so many of us have made connections online that feel as real and important to us as friendships we've made in person. Maybe tech is just as valid in bonding with people to current generations. Am I crazy?
The downside of course is that you do have to have the finances to afford keeping up with it all, which makes those direct personal meetings even more valuable since all they cost is time. I've started rambling and my mind is going into deep philosophical directions. I should stop before I get too deep in the weeds.
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I agree that technology is amazing in connecting people, but I was just surprised that the price of the technology is what determines popularity in let's say school.
I'm not against kids learning how to use technology (under supervision), I don't on the other hand see the necessity for spending too much money on it.
Especially if children base their personality on piece of plastic, not something more valuable like being smart, well read, kind etc.
It's a complicated subject.
Thank you for your input on it, I really appreciate feedback!
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Well said and I agree.
This makes me think of some friends we have. We've known them for years and met them when their oldest daughter was around 10 or 11. Her father is a well-known photographer and he completely embraced iphone photography a few years back. Now he forgoes most traditional pics and travels the world taking iphone pictures.
She took that love of tech and became an artist in her own right. She learned how to use that phone to create amazing pictures and that has helped her grow. Maybe if we can teach everyone to use tech to help create and expand their possibilities instead of just using it as a status symbol? I don't know. Like you said, it's tough. But I love talking about it.
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That there is an amazing addition to my blog! Such a great idea!
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Great post !
The questions about childs and tech are really tricky, and this feeling she has about the link between friends and money is scary when we think about these generations and the value the society teach them, I hope your conversation helped her to see better !
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I hope so too! Thank you for reading, and commenting. I love hearing what other people think!
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Technology, especially technology that aids communication is an amazing thing.
It just seems that when we equate that technology with status and wealth we lose sight of the communication part and focus on the status.
I guess that would come from our need to feel apart of a group to feel safe.
Great post Tamara, thank you.
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Thank you for such supportive comment!
I love and always read your posts!
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Your very welcome, and thank you for your support.
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This was a very interesting post. Many people today do not take the time to listen to others. Small children have such honesty but need to be guided.
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Thank you @petruska13, you are right! I now see how difficult it can be to be a good parent..
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