Sunday, March 18, 2012

Venting

Ok, it's been a long time since I posted. Way too long. But I feel the need to right now. I think I need to vent a bit

This afternoon I went with my family to go see the latest Dr. Seuss story brought to the big screen: The Lorax. Incredible movie, IMO. More on that later. It was something else that happened that I want to address first, something that is just a reflection of something I have been experiencing and feeling lately. It seems lately I have been frequently saying to my wife, "I don't understand people today." That comment usually comes after witnessing or hearing about things that just don't make sense. for example, somebody cuts you off in traffic and then suggests that you are "number one." Or, hearing about a needless crime. Today was another example.

Just prior to the movie beginning, a large group of adults and children sat down next to me. Let's just say that they were "unsettled" as things began. If you've been to the movies, you know that they always show a segment encouraging people to turn off their phones and to not text, talk, etc during the show. This one actually used a bit featuring the Lorax to make the point. In the bit, the Lorax has a person on one side chowing down with food flying and on the other someone texting. You know the message. Cue the movie.

Can you guess what happened next? The lady next to me starts texting. Yep, less than a minute after the Lorax asking us not too. You know what else? She texted throughout the movie. The group talked. They chowed down on popcorn (quite loudly). You get the picture.

It got worse. It's not giving anything away to say that The Lorax has a strong message about caring for the environment. It was a great movie and the message was powerful. So, as my family gets ready to leave, we grab our cups and prepare to go. As I look to where the group was, all of them left their cups, popcorn all over the seats, trash on the floor. It wasn't just that group. As we looked around, there was a similar scene throughout the theater. It... was... sad. We just watched a moving movie about caring and folks left as if they didn't. All I could do was turn to my kids and say, "Don't be like that, please."

I say again, I just don't understand people. More on that post which will be entitled "Unless." Some of you will understand.

Chris

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