Has caring become fainter in the 21st century?

The most important lessons I’ve learned about caring are this. Give more than you take. Empathize. Observe and listen. It is one of the most giving of our natural inclinations.

Caring is professed by the lessons of most religions, and guided by their principles like not hurting others, not seeking retribution and not always looking for greener pastures. Honoring life beyond one’s self.

I often wonder if caring became fainter in the early 21st century when communication and (some) information is pervasive, and when people can touch people of like (and unlike) minds across the globe.

In 2006 I noticed two men waiting for their wives who were shopping and sharing pictures that put smiles on their faces with a phone. That started an observation about how a lot of people are focusing as much on what’s on their portable media device as what’s going on around them. Today’s world of “always connected” distracts me from thought processes and observation.

Today, people are always connected, albeit selectively. When the cell phone buzzes one does not always answer it immediately. That selective function is needed to winnow out the fire hose effect of instant messaging, phone calls and getting things done. There is little to no time to consider that across the street Mrs. C is tipping over into her climbing-rose bush, let alone to pause and help her.

That selectivity creates too narrow a focus on affinity. Seeking others of like mind is a natural inclination. Accepting that which is not your affinity is necessary for caring. Religious silos have failed miserably at making this happen. Churches find it easy to attract people of like mind. Many teach tolerance in too few lessons. Some ignite the fire of fear and loathing of others to build a following. Still.

The reflecting pool is too shallow. The more layers, the deeper the pool. Relating via a plastic device in hand or megaphone or the whispers of narrow-minded voices is each a layer. Not seeing beyond and between the layers of selective consideration in today’s always-connected world stifles caring.

Give more than you take. Empathize. Observe and listen.

© US Copyright 2009. Judith A. Jalbert. All rights reserved.