As I wander around, I often think that I must be a rarity; I've managed to reach the age of 77 without having worn a not-for-camping rucksack, carried a plastic coffee cup around with me, be dependent on a portable water supply, and without relying on a hand-held GPS device to find my way to the shops and home again. I have also never had the desire to talk to invisible people on an invisible phone whilst going for a walk with the dog. And I've certainly never been tempted to permanently hide beneath a hoodie.
But for those who have not experienced my deprived old codger way of life, I wonder how they would cope if forced to live like me for a couple of days. Could they survive? Would their men'al-elf be affected? Would they simply become lost souls?
What is it that folk carry in their bulky rucksacks? Why can they not simply have a coffee at home before leaving. Why suddenly does everyone feel the need to carry bottled water around with them? And (for goodness sake) why on earth do people feel the need to talk into the air, at high volume, whilst taking their rucksack to wherever their going (following their GPS)?
Of course, I will never know. I don't suppose they know either. They do these things because everyone else does it, and they don't want to feel different; just as they do by wearing headphones around their necks, and covering themselves with tattoos.
I suppose it all comes down to demonstrating their 'individuality'.
The scene in The Holy Grail comes to mind. 'Yes, we are all individual'/ Hoodies, I simply do not get it. I personally know several guys that insist on looking like nameless elves, from ages 14 to 40.
ReplyDeleteI can understand gangs wearing hoodies to hide their faces from CCTV cameras, police, etc; but otherwise it makes no sense, especially in Summer.
DeleteI carry bottled water because the water here makes my stomach sick and queasy. A backpack occasionally when I am buying stuff that will fit into it without being too heavy so have my hands free for other things. I have occasionally carried a cup of hot chocolate to the bus stop in winter, but it wasn't a daily habit and I no longer do it. I can wait until I get home.
ReplyDeleteEach one individually could be described as 'normal', but when they are all done together it becomes very weird. And to see almost everyone doing the same is even weirder!
DeleteLast Friday on one of my regular trips to the Kidney and Urology Dept at a London Hospital, I was actually seen by a Consultant wearing trainers and a dark hoodie with large letters on the back saying 'Urology.'
ReplyDeleteI've heard of 'Dress Down Friday' but surely not in a Hospital. His medical attire looked totally out of place.
I think we can expect anything these days.
DeleteI can't see the problem. It could be far worse, folk could start wandering about with satchels, carrier bags on their heads and wearing masks.
ReplyDeleteIf only it were thus. Carrier bags make fine rainwear.
DeleteI also wonder how those of us older people ever survived without drinking water every 5 minutes. My 5 yr old grandson is never more than 2 feet away from his water bottle and his Mum is forever telling him to have a drink.....I just keep quiet!
ReplyDeleteOh gosh, doesn't it drive you nutty! When my family come to visit our house is full of half drunk water glasses...all over the place!
DeleteI dog walk with one earpiece that plays my 'playlist' with my phone in my pocket and wearing a hoodie under my waterproof coat. I don't carry water for me or the dog.
ReplyDeletePersonally I prefer to listen to the sound of nature, and to chat with friends. Occasionally I say 'hello' to someone, and receive no reply. They are usually plugged-in elsewhere!
DeleteThese are exactly the questions I sometimes ask myself at the sight of these people here, apparently the phenomenon is universal.
ReplyDeleteI feel very sorry for them, they cannot live without their phones, and everything that goes with that.
DeleteNot very 'individual' is it, all looking the same like that. I'm with you Cro, it's all madness these days.
ReplyDeleteIt makes me feel happy to be 'old'.
DeleteOh dear Cro has this made me laugh. I am tempted to ask 'where do you stand on the plethora of 'ready meals' but I think I know the answer.
ReplyDeleteActually, we have an M & S Fish Pie for supper today. Delicious.
DeleteWhen I went down to London last weekend, my backpack contained spare underpants and socks, my toilet bag, a steel flask of Yorkshire water, a house key, a ballpoint pen, a cheese and ham sandwich, a "Kit-Kat" and a book. I also find my backpack handy when rambling in the countryside.
ReplyDeleteI tend to buy clothes with pockets. They act in the same way.
DeleteI think that older members of every generation have said the same thing . Change happens all the time ..... I don't like it anymore than you but I guess it has to happen. I don't understand why I can't speak to a human being on the phone anymore but either have to email/live chat to a robot or listen to a recording ! GP's don't want to see patients face to face much anymore and would rather Zoom. There is no service from having things delivered anymore ... they often leave large items on the pavement ! .... I could go on and on !!! I do feel justified in my old age moaning as none of the ' new things ' are as good or as efficient as it was years ago. XXXX
ReplyDeleteSadly this is the truth that few people wish to hear. With all the advancement in technology, we seem to be going in reverse socially.
DeleteI take a small backpack on my five miles walks. It contains a small bottle of water in the side pocket, snacks for when I have a short break on a bench, a brolly, and wet weather gear. Plus cameras, don't forget the cameras. I never walk around with a cardboard cup of coffee.
ReplyDeleteI occasionally take my phone with me, but simply for the camera.
DeleteI have a number of female friends who daily carry most of the items you mention in a large purse which, it turns out, makes the bag heavy enough to break someone's leg if they took a swing. Why? No clue, except it seems they're always prepared for any possibility. I'm a fan of traveling light and hands free. I'll never understand the appeal of hoodies or tattoos, but such is life and to each his own.
ReplyDeleteWhen I lived in London it was fashionable for young ladies to carry HUGE shoulder bags with them. They were imitating famous models who, at the time, always carried HUGE bags from job to job. I don't see that any more.
DeleteThe non-conformists, code of conformity.
ReplyDeleteYup!
DeleteSigns of the times? Some people are retracting to their own little world and many are in constant conversation with their phone. There are a few common uniforms, making people look very similar. It is all very clan-like.
ReplyDeleteIt's the total reliance on their phones that I find so worrying. I hardly ever see anyone these days without one in use.
DeleteI agree with all the way. That's a great subject and great comments.
ReplyDeleteI have owned 4 backpacks. It took me 4 to realise I hate the things. You can carry your house on your back but it's just a nuisance. Who needs all that rubbish anyway. You have to take the pack off to even get out a tissue.
I wear a cross body bag if I need one, otherwise I choose clothes with pockets!!
Forgot the 'water' thing. Honestly my parents generation and mine grew up drinking a glass of water when we were thirsty. What the hell is it with all these people who cannot move two steps without a bottle 🍾 f water
DeleteI suppose the answer to the water question must be that they've all been brainwashed by Evian & Co.
DeleteYes, they are as individual as all the other sheep jumping off the cliff just because they were following the one in front of them.
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly how it seems.
DeleteHilarious post. I hide my face from the cameras behind my beard. I grew it to emphasise my individuality, and because Chris Bonington has one.
ReplyDeleteAnd CB probably wears a rucksack too.
DeleteIt could be a "police/criminal" thing.
ReplyDeletePoliceman: "could you describe the suspect?"
Bystander: " average height, dark backpack, dark hoodie"
Policeman: throws arms in the air in defeat. "You've just described 5 million Londoners"
And the criminal gets away.
This, I imagine, is why the police no longer bother to investigate crime.
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