Summary

The narrative reflects on society's indifference to individual suffering, exemplified by the author's encounter with an old man seeking shelter in the rain, juxtaposed against the preoccupation with global issues and social media.

Abstract

The author recounts a personal experience of witnessing an elderly man, dubbed the "plastic-man," seeking refuge from the rain with his meager belongings outside a grocery store. Despite an initial desire to help, the author, along with other bystanders, initially fails to act, distracted by their own needs and the ubiquitous use of smartphones. This incident prompts introspection about society's tendency to prioritize global issues and the spectacle of social media over small, meaningful interactions and local acts of kindness. The author ultimately regrets not assisting the man, realizing that the pursuit of global change often overshadows the importance of addressing immediate human needs and the value of personal connections.

Opinions

The author believes that society is too engrossed in global affairs and social media, leading to a neglect of immediate human needs and personal interactions.
There is a critique of the modern mindset that undervalues "small wins," such as compliments or deep conversations, in favor of grand, often impersonal, global activism.
The author suggests that the constant pursuit of global change through media and technology can create a sense of detachment from the tangible problems faced by individuals in our immediate surroundings.
The narrative implies that society's fascination with the spectacle of global issues is a form of escapism from personal responsibility and action.
The author emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and addressing the suffering of individuals, advocating for a balance between global awareness and local, personal engagement.

The World Is Deteriorating; So Just Keep Looking At Your Phone.

(Social) media distorts your reality.

“There’s nothing more boring than weekly grocery shopping“, I said to myself while I was looking out my rainy car window.

But whining didn’t help. After all, eating is a basic human need.

I got off the car, locked the door, and crossed the parking area of the grocery store.

As I was about to enter the store, I noticed an old man who was sitting under the roof of the supermarket.

He was alone, and his body was wrapped in plastic sheets — his goal was to protect himself from the heavy rain.

All possessions that he owned were beside him; a plethora of plastic bags and an old bike, whose rusty tires were so worn-out that its metal spokes almost scratched the street floor.

It was painful to watch.

The old man looked tired, apathetic — as if he was no longer a part of this world. His only sign of life was a pair of surprisingly vivid eyes that gazed into the rainy clouds.

I observed him carefully. But at the same time, I didn’t know what to do. He didn’t want to be rescued, or did he?

And admittedly, I wasn’t alone. The people around me didn’t seem to care either. They noticed him, sure, but everyone acted as if it was no big deal.

So eventually, I followed the crowd; I put on my mask and entered the grocery store.

After all, eating is a basic human need.

I tried to focus on my shopping list, but my thoughts were with the plastic-man.

Where did he come from? What’s his story? And why on earth didn’t I have the guts to approach him?

He was in need — it was obvious.

Inside the grocery store, my eyes gazed around the room. Everyone seemed to be in his or her own little world.

A mother watching her kid, a couple discussing the products in their shopping bags, and a gentleman on his phone. What was he looking at?

Maybe he was checking out the latest news about the global economy? Or did he tweet about climate activism?

Whatever.

While I was waiting at the checkout, I made my decision:” I’m going to help him!”

I didn’t care what other people would think of me: “I’m gonna do it. I will help the plastic-man”.

Immediately, I started to feel better about myself.

I paid at the cash register, rushed out of the store, my eyes wandered around.

But the old plastic-man was already gone.

What Happened There?

This encounter made me think. For days.

Are human beings really that bad?

Eventually, it dawned on me. I understood why nobody helped the plastic-man.

We’re too damn busy.

We focus on the global affairs of the world. Race issues, global warming, our world economy. That’s the big stage — that’s where important events take place.

In our big and connected world, small wins don’t count; an innocent compliment, good manners, a deep conversation between two friends. Stuff like this is boring — it’s old school.

The fight for global change, however, is exciting. It sucks you in. It’s a spectacle — I get it.

One “massive” quick fix and we’re done with global change. That’s our secret wish. But as long this doesn’t happen, we just wait.

Instagram, Facebook, CNN. The global stage is set. Everyone is rushing toward global change — what are you waiting for?