I very much enjoyed this essay, but I too was thrown off by the karaoke lady!
I was really hoping you’d say you took her there yourself. And where I’m coming from, is following the lead of strangers and derailing my plans for them has led to some of the best turning points of my life… but at minimum at least an interesting story. Maybe next time?
I didn't get a good feeling about interacting with this person. Maybe it could have turned out differently and made for an interesting story. It just didn't feel right.
Plot twist...I thought the interaction with then karaoke woman was going to a special moment of serendipity you were thankful for, that you would've missed with your headphones in. Not where I expected things to go!
I'm torn on this. Sometimes I feel guilty for having headphones in too much (ex: I've been on the streets of China and realize that I'd rather be soaking in the unique environment around me rather than listening to whatever I'm listening to). But at the same time...man they boost the quality of my life, every single day. I love having headphones. I guess I trust myself enough to take them out when I get a gut feeling to do so (elevators would be another example, I prefer to unplug and say a quick hello to other people in the elevator). But maybe I could unplug a bit more than I already do
Based on your comment I think you are showing the amount of awareness that I'm still developing and that I suspect most people (especially younger ones) don't have, so I think you are closer to a good balance than my experience and the people I had in mind when I wrote this. Thanks for reading Will!
This exceptionally thoughtful and self-honest account of headphone use should be read by anyone who has heard a niggling voice say,, "Maybe I'm over-doing it." Or - by anyone who has someone close to them who regular responds to statements made in their own home with the startled words, "Whad'ya say," while grabbing to pull out one ear bud. (I'm forwarding this to them now, because this is a balanced, non-threatening inquiry into the topic.)
I very much enjoyed this essay, but I too was thrown off by the karaoke lady!
I was really hoping you’d say you took her there yourself. And where I’m coming from, is following the lead of strangers and derailing my plans for them has led to some of the best turning points of my life… but at minimum at least an interesting story. Maybe next time?
I didn't get a good feeling about interacting with this person. Maybe it could have turned out differently and made for an interesting story. It just didn't feel right.
Plot twist...I thought the interaction with then karaoke woman was going to a special moment of serendipity you were thankful for, that you would've missed with your headphones in. Not where I expected things to go!
I'm torn on this. Sometimes I feel guilty for having headphones in too much (ex: I've been on the streets of China and realize that I'd rather be soaking in the unique environment around me rather than listening to whatever I'm listening to). But at the same time...man they boost the quality of my life, every single day. I love having headphones. I guess I trust myself enough to take them out when I get a gut feeling to do so (elevators would be another example, I prefer to unplug and say a quick hello to other people in the elevator). But maybe I could unplug a bit more than I already do
Based on your comment I think you are showing the amount of awareness that I'm still developing and that I suspect most people (especially younger ones) don't have, so I think you are closer to a good balance than my experience and the people I had in mind when I wrote this. Thanks for reading Will!
This exceptionally thoughtful and self-honest account of headphone use should be read by anyone who has heard a niggling voice say,, "Maybe I'm over-doing it." Or - by anyone who has someone close to them who regular responds to statements made in their own home with the startled words, "Whad'ya say," while grabbing to pull out one ear bud. (I'm forwarding this to them now, because this is a balanced, non-threatening inquiry into the topic.)
Thank you thank you, Rick! Maybe it will help them re-evaluate their relationship with headphones/how they show up in the world!
Lol that anecdote about the gossiping woman made me laugh 😂
Great essay, Camille. I've also been considering the human and environmental costs to our technology rich lives. Community being at the forefront.
"convenience comes at a cost, and on that side of the ledger are the things we yearn for the most: connection, stillness, and presence."
Haven't read Farenheit 451 but woah, what a crazy parallel. Also your illustrations are such a vibe!