Please check my essay

The New Parasite

In an article entitled, “Microbes on the Move”, Jeffrey Goldberg fluently takes the reader on a journey of self-realization regarding the impact of how the destruction of unchartered rainforests affects global health. Goldberg describes his misfortunes and experiences while infected with various parasites and viruses as he travels in a third world country. He stresses the inhuman approach of governmental actions towards transcontinental health concerns. He points out the lack of concern that has plagued our nation towards less fortunate countries. He reminds us of the things we do not want to know…the truth about poverty-stricken nations and how we are affected by world events. Notably, Techno “addiction” is becoming a social problem in our age like the parasites and viruses that have taken millions of lives. Goldberg reveals that, “The problem is, we keep getting warning shots, and we keep ignoring them” (Goldberg 29). Granted he is talking about outbreaks of exotic viruses, parasites, pathogens and diseases that are responsible for deaths worldwide that should have been prevented had communication existed between continents. However, the similarities’ do exist between the life sucking technological advances and the fatal pathogens that threaten the future of our society. We are human beings that are losing site of humanity. The more sophisticated technology develops the less human we are.

I am reminded of how technology is like exotic viruses, parasites and pathogens that have infected our society and infringed upon family values and traditions. As these thoughts run through my mind, the conspicuous sounds of a toddler crying for its mother’s affection catch my eye. I notice the irritated mother is preoccupied in conversation with a silver device attached to her right ear; she angrily slaps the small hand away, silencing the pesky annoyance from the confused child.
All the while, I am parked next to a couple eating in their ’69 Mustang I notice no words being exchanged between this grazing pair. Windows down, their unwanted debris flies out like butterflies that have lost their wings, floating, swirling dancing to their death. The blue and gold wrappers lay on a pile of sliced tomatoes, pickles and scattered unwanted fries. I take a deep breath and back my vehicle out. I know that if I get out of my car I will undoubtly have to hand this couple an empty trash bag. I spot another empty slot eager to make my way to the hideous gigantic building filled with super saver deals. In hopes that this adventure to felony flats market will not be as bad as last month.
It is a beautiful day; the sun is shining a few scattered clouds...no rain in sight. Why are there so many people piling out of this building like ants escaping their kingdom? Then the horrific reality hits me…I notice the silence…the fingers clicking on mini keyboards, headsets attached to ears, flip phones and blue tooth devices…people in a trance. They are walking like zombies unaware of their surroundings – going nowhere – going everywhere.
I notice no hands being held, no children’s laughter being heard, no words being spoken among the wasted flesh of carcass’ that walks by me. I did not even get a “Hello” from the greeter who is so engrossed in her walkie-talkie that she missed the three teenagers who ran out with unpaid goods in their pockets.
Are electronics a symbol for the dehumanizing obsession that has taken place of face-to-face communication? I think so. We are no longer distinguished by nationality or sexual orientation; we have become a “civilized” world of shiny red, lime green, purple, black and silver devices. Our vocabulary will diminish to such letters as LOL, OMG, and “Wassup?” Can you remember your family and friends phone numbers? I cannot. I broke my phone last month and had to leave a message on facebook that I needed phone numbers.
Last March my beautiful family sat in the living room engrossed in “Cyber World” as I turned away from my computer. I watched my two daughters’ texting on their blackberries while lap top screens glared at them. One granddaughter was playing with her handheld video game while talking to a friend on her cell phone (she is 10 years old), and off in a corner sat my 15 month granddaughter mimicking texting with her little thumbs on a broken phone. I could not resist the urge that came over me. I began texting each one of them begging for them to “STOP” and talk with me.
I do not know that there are any solutions to this disease. Technological addictions that have plagued our society are becoming domaint over formal communication. We need to remember, that a simple “hello” can mean so much more than a text full of meaningless letters. I share these thoughts to enlighten you, that all technological advances do have a price. I ask you, what sacrifices are you willing to make to be pampered by these intoxicating devices?

Works Cited
Goldberg, Jeffery. “Microbes on the Move.” The Mercury Reader. Ed. Cynthia Kimball.
New York: Pearson Custom Publishing, 2010. 28-31. Print.