half cocked thoughts

Some big buzz words in the 21st century are "global economies" and the "one world" movement and mindset. With technology now allowing for a freedom of information and transport across borders never before experienced in the world, it makes sense that borders themselves would start becoming a fuzzier concept. As individuals, we should feel greater responsibility than ever to be educated in cultures and currents events around the world - they are closer to our doorstep. Instead, I see individuals as becoming more and more isolated. Largely due to the same technology which connects us to the world on a grander scale. TV, internet, cars, cell phones, work from home... Our sense of community is disintigrating, and our connection to humanity with it. How accustomed are we to interacting with people that we will never meet? It's easier to be disinterested and forget compassion when the person is a voice over the phone or an email. This disconnection in our associations with people seems to translate into a lack of compassion and empathy with general humanity, even while interacting in person. I see people treating waiters or cashiers with disrespect for basic human dignity. (Though in history there is also plenty of people degrading other people.) Maybe we all need to be reminded from time to time of our connection to mankind as a whole. Maybe art can do that. (Maybe my art can do that.)