Flamblogger’s rant today reminded me of something that irritated me yesterday. It was reported in the news that more than 70% of people in UK used or were connected to the internet. Other sources say that percentage is greater than 80%.
The percentages are not really important, at least not to me. The report seemed to suggest that those who were not using the internet were being deprived in some way. I agree that there are some poorer families who might like to access the World Wide Web but what really incensed me was the implication that everyone should be encouraged to embrace the technology. Does it never occur to enthusiastic advocates that some people are perfectly happy with their lives and do not see the need to tackle something new? There is a sort of technophile blindness that afflicts these campaigners.
A similar approach to other issues could be engaged:
Around 70% of people in UK are football fans. Let’s encourage the rest to realise what they’re missing! (Please, no!)
20% of people in UK eat out at least once a week. Come on, the rest of you – get your skates on and hurry to your nearest restaurant. (I like to eat at home and know what has been used in the preparation of my food.)
Of course it is good to attempt something different and oftentimes a new interest is discovered and becomes an all-encompassing passion. Other forays into the unknown merely encourage the adventurer back to familiar pastures.
Why is there a requirement for us all to mirror each other? What happened to individuality? Why must we be sheep – surely there’s room for a few goats, too.
