Two weeks ago, Lowndes County received up to 11 inches of rainfall, which resulted in flooding throughout the area. Roads were closed, residents were evacuated and homes were destroyed by rising waters. Yet, among all the losses, students with Mediacom service were complaining about how they had to go a few days without cable or internet in the comfort of their own homes.
Also – this just in: People in Hell want ice water. But I assure you that FEMA will supply them with a frosty beverage long before they even consider your temporary media blackout as a priority.
When did we, as a society, become so pampered and self-absorbed? People all around the world go through worse every day, but we martyr ourselves over anything that interrupts our daily routine. The worst part is that, most of the tim, we don’t even recognize the bigger picture.
A three-car pile-up that kills two of the drivers brings traffic to a crawl, so we rage and moan in our vehicle. A child with autism makes a racket in a grocery store, so we roll our eyes in annoyance and grit our teeth. A flood occurs, causing millions of dollars worth of damage to roads, buildings, and people’s homes. We’re upset about not being able to update our Twitter page and watch our favorite shows? Really?
Now, I’ll admit, the loss of internet access from my apartment was inconvenient. However, it was a temporary and manageable inconvenience. Most of us have to go to campus everyday for class, so a quick detour to the library isn’t that very taxing. If you couldn’t find a computer open, then you could try grabbing a laptop from the media center. No laptops available? Then track down a friend with internet service to check your messages. Honestly, if you couldn’t find a way to access the word wide web, I can only imagine that your internet practice is either illegal or socially frowned upon. Regardless, the break might have been good for you.
I know it might sound like I’m telling you never to complain but, believe me, I would never ask you to make such a drastic lifestyle change. After all, my contribution to the Spectator could simply be described as a weekly complaint about whatever I feel is relevant. All I’m saying is to rationally look at a situation before you go on a rant about how bad you got it.
Losing internet service is nothing to write about to fmylife.com. They would put your life in perspective pretty quick.