Life in the Headlights

A question posed on a social media site recently begged the answer to what happened to "Main Street"? You know, the one where cars "dragged" up and down all night long, with the occupants honking and waving at each other.

Several possible answers were offered including economics (gas prices), political leadership (president), to rules and regulations being enforced by law enforcement (no loitering, etc.).

My response? "D" - all of the above, but yet there is are more factors to consider.

It is true that gas prices are high and adults can scarcely afford to pay them let along teenagers who may or may not be employed, causing the cost to go back to the adults.

Political leadership - yes, that too, can play a part. After all, it is the decisions our leaders make that can also determine the climate we find our economy in.

Laws and regulations? Yes, somewhat of a factor when you consider the gathering that typically goes along with such an activity. This, unfortunately, can also be accompanied by increased littering. And in today's world that can include increased vandalism and other crimes.

When I used to partake in  the "dragging Main" phenomenon - I don't recall littering, vandalism, etc., being much of an issue. There wasn't a lot of graffitti back then and we really did just drive up and down Main Street honking our horns, waving, listening to our favorite tunes and just being teenagers.

Not to say we were perfect - we weren't. I'm just saying things have changed just a bit.

Other factors I would also add to the mix as to the "why" it has virtually disappeared is technology and time. Teenagers these days are involved in even more than they used to be as far as extracurricular activities (mainly sports).

Technology? Well, let's just say today's technology, although great in some ways, has its downside. With the increase in information and ability - kids have become bored and need more stimulation than ever before. Just ask any teacher. Teachers have felt that change up close and personal as they work every year to find the "key
to reaching their students and getting them interested in learning.

Video games and the like have replaced any simple activity such as dragging Main Street with their friends, on a specific route that everyone knows but no map has it included.

You can also see the technology wave in cellphones which have become a "part" of every ensemble these days with most being unable to set them down for even a few minutes.  - mainly because of the social media they are trying to keep up with.

The dinner hasn't been the same. Family time hasn't been the same.

Technology is great - in its place. But perhaps it would be best if it were to be taken in doses and more appropriate time slots. Perhaps it would be better to keep social media "in its lane" and get back to a more simpler time? We could still keep up - just keep it from consuming our lives. Get back to interacting with people rather than technology.