When texting first became popular, I was a kind of opposite hipster: I was proud of not "needing" it to function socially; I was proud that I wasn't addicted to it; I was proud that I never struggled with texting in inappropriate situations because I avoided the temptation altogether.
Years later when I married the love of my life, I got a cell phone plan that included texting. I started using it more and more often as the months progressed, and I _LOVED_ it. I found out that texting is incredibly convenient, easier to check than a voice mail, and much less disruptive than a phone call. I don't feel that I suffer from any of the problems that I was so proud of avoiding by not texting at all. Many people are only accessible through texting. I would be missing out on so much if I refused to take part in it!
Austin's chosen profession requires that he stay at the cutting edge of technology, and I have learned that it's really much better to keep up with changes in technology and culture rather than being left behind, no matter how much you like the old way or are emotionally attached to it. Not only will you be able to relate to the rising generation, but your life will probably be easier, too!
This also relates to language. I remember learning that it was bad grammar when someone asks, "How are you?" to reply with, "I'm doing good." The proper response, I learned, was, "I'm doing well." I started using the proper response because I like doing things correctly. After a few strange looks, however, I learned that maybe the
traditionally correct way to reply was "I'm doing well," but the
socially correct way to reply was, "I'm doing good." I started using the socially correct way. I adapted. I wanted to be accepted; I didn't want to cling to my little notion that
my way was always the best way because it was the
right way. No; I learned that many times when it comes to grammar, the socially accepted ways to say things are generally the correct way. Did you know that saying "I guess" used to be slang? Yep, it was. The proper way to communicate that idea back in the day was "I suppose." Interesting how things change.
It's not just language and technology. Many people resisted giving women the right to vote because it was something new and different. Others balked at the idea of the novel; they thought it was frivolous and a waste of time. Now teachers and other leaders encourage children to read novels in order to expand their minds. I'm sure you can think of many other instances where change was resisted.
But wait! Katie, you say we should embrace change, but not
all changes are good! What about the changes that are bad, that annihilate rich cultural traditions, or are bad for the social health of our culture?
Well, I agree that not all changes are good. However, I have learned to try to embrace new ideas and things. Of course I'm not perfect at it, but when it goes well, I learn what I can about the new idea or innovation with an open mind and analyze it: Is this good? Will it harm me or those around me? Is there anything intrinsically
bad about it?
If I don't find anything wrong with whatever it is, then I figure it won't hurt to try, and it will probably hurt in the future when I'm not to be able to relate to those around me who haven't resisted the change. Sometimes it takes me a while to warm up to the idea; sometimes it takes a few days or weeks or even years (texting, for example) of mulling over something or missing out on something to finally admit to myself that it is actually ok.
I promise you, it is MUCH more comfortable and MUCH more dignified to accept change than to be forced into accepting or tolerating it down the road when it's unavoidable.
