Nostalgia Kills

Inspiration: <--------- this
Category: Social Critique

I was in a parking lot today when I saw this 1989 Camaro double parked. Look at that parking, it's almost competely centered in the two spots. The thing was backed in, cleaned up, and on display. Aesthetically speaking the 80s era Camaro and most 80s cars for that matter are painful to look at (but that is for another rant).

I wanted to wait for the first mullet sporting, REO Speedwagon shirt wearing, time capsule to come out to his car so I could ask for an interview. But no one appeared so I pressed on to complete the mundane task I was occupied with.

This got me thinking about nostalgia and how it can close a person's mind tighter than a well digger's ass. This isn't to say that the Camaro owner was like this, but it just got me thinking is all. Don't get me wrong, I can appreciate a classic. I would never put down someone for putting on display a truly classic and beautiful car like a '67 Camaro.



Now that is a beautiful thing and should be appreciated like the book The Old Man and the Sea or the painting The Old Guitarist forever.



Something's age does not alone determine it's continuing worth in my opinion. On the other hand, just because something is old does not mean it has true nostalgic value. Regardless of it's worth though, if the old keeps you from embracing the new and improved then it is harmful. If you continue to purchase outdated technology, when newer more efficient and less harmful replacements exist then you are not doing your part. I'm not saying that everyone should go sell their gas guzzling used car and by a new hybrid. But those who have the means should try and do this as soon as possible. Those building new houses should try and have their builders use green techniques and products. In the end this will benefit those who don't have the means, because they buy the used cars and homes that we buy new. And this will benefit us all.

Not all that is new is good and not all that is good is new. Some new things don't do anything better than their old counterparts and some are even worse. But in my opinion most new technologies are better than those that they replace. While I understand that tech. companies are mostly concerned with making money, I think that most engineers and scientists behind their money makers are trying to innovate. Bottom line: don't fear the robots. (Seriously, I just got a roomba vacuuming robot and it rocks)

But it's easy to understand that new technology should be embraced. But what about the intangible aspects of our life? What of religion or philosophy? This is a much tougher thing to let go of for people. Pretty much impossible for most. As for me, I have thrown off the religious beliefs passed on to me by my parents. If they happen to read this I want them to know that they should not blame themselves, they did the best they could. They just could not compete with an avid reader whose friends were all avid readers who love to discuss. I do thank them for giving me a strong moral foundation, one I've kept despite letting go my inherited religious beliefs. My mind is open now and I plan to keep it that way. I admit that I sometimes miss having a solid world view to fall back on, but I wouldn't trade it for the ability to explore and experience anything my heart desires; to befriend anyone I chose; to see whatever I can spot; to read whatever I can read; to discuss whatever peaks my interest. Not that I'm a total hedonist, I understand that a functioning society requires boundaries to function correctly. I've experienced things that the government or my elders have forbade and I don't regret doing these things. But I'm always cautious and I always do my homework.

All this and I am not a morally bankrupt individual. I pride myself on living by the golden rule. I try my very best not to harm others and lend a helping hand when I can (if your car breaks down by me I'll be there to help you push it off the road). I don't do these things because I fear eternal punishment or seek eternal salvation, I do these things because I want the world to be a better place. As Ghandi said, I want to be the change [I] want to see in the world. The world will become a better place when we all start seeking the ways ourselves and stop waiting for God to fix things for us.

But is religion merely cultural nostalgia? I think so. From admittedly anecdotal evidence, it seems to me that most people's religious views are inherited traditions they follow because they were raised to follow them. I think that if most reasonable people read the evidence from both sides (which I have and continue to do) that they will at the very least question their inherited belief systems. This is especially true since the religious side has very little to no tangible evidence. Hence faith. Not that the naturalistic side has proved that no higher power exists (nor do they try), but at least they appreciate evidence and their worldview allows, no demands, constant reevaluation and change.

I am all for religious freedom as long as a religion does not hurt others, but I am against religious groups telling women what they can or can't do with their bodies, blocking stem cell research that could benefit millions of flesh and blood actual human beings, denying equal rights to gay people, scamming the ignorant out of the little money they have (see www.holysmoke.org), supporting continual warfare in the middle east, or breeding harmful superstitions. I am personally against (that is I don't agree with, but I tolerate) pretty much all religions because they tend to close people's minds. Now I don't pretend to know all the answers, and understand that I could be wrong. But that's the point of being open minded right?

These things among others are why I am a bright. What is a bright you say? A bright is a person who has a naturalistic world view. A bright's worldview is free of supernatural and mystical elements. The ethics and actions of a bright are based on a naturalistic worldview. Visit www.the-brights.net if you think you are a bright or want more info.

Let go nostalgia. The world is screwed up and has always been screwed up. So what are we holding on to?