Editor’s Note: All opinion section content reflects the views of the individual author only and does not represent a stance taken by The Collegian or its editorial board. Letters to the Editor reflect the view of a member of the campus community and are submitted to the publication for approval.
I feel like I missed something, some cultural shift maybe.
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I grew up in New York City, one of America’s tough towns. It was the 1960s and the summer of love. I used to love walking, window shopping and people-watching. People actually made eye contact on the streets, busses and subways.
This is 2018. We look to millennials as the saviors for a badly broken world, yet based on walking the Colorado State University campus, people look down when they walk and avoid human contact so necessary for the healing we need today. We cry out for peace, tolerance and community so I am confused that this is our daily behavior.
It makes me feel so disconnected from the community of man. Like I am invisible.
I have volunteered at CSU for many years. Twice a week I walk all over campus. Achieving eye contact with people here is nearly impossible. There is the whole smart phone phenomenon but even people who arent on their phones only look straight ahead or down.
I’d assume that those who text or talk on phones while walking hold human connections to be of value. Yet this avoidance of humans immediately in front of them seems contrary to this goal.
It makes me feel so disconnected from the community of man, like I am invisible.
I am a flower child from the ‘60s, so I think the ideal society is a friendly, welcoming and non-fearing one. As with everything else, these ideals start at home with each of us. So, when you see me or anyone on campus trying to make eye contact think about a nod, or a smile, or even a good morning.
Try it for a day, a week or a month. It might just enrich your soul and improve America.
Renee Galeano-Popp
Retired Botanist and longtime volunteer to the CSU Herbarium
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