General / Off-Topic 2016: The Cry For Help

[Ralph Vargr]

I don't think anyone will claim 2016 to be a good year.

Many of the resonant cultural icons have died this year. It may only be a symptom of a greater malady.

Take a look at these articles from the NYT (may be paywall).

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/05/health...pe=article

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/03/health....html?_r=1

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/30/health...pe=article

Social Isolation:

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/06/health...pe=article

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/22/upshot...pe=article

We may be becoming too isolated to care what happens to others. See: Brexit, Trump.

 

[Ralph Vargr]

Additional: The culture icons may be the only points of reference that can be shared with other demographics, for many. The critical years of the major culture icons of the 60's, 70's and 80's are now reaching the ends of even nominal lifespans. The actor who played Father Mulchahy, William Christopher, on MASH died, for example. He was still quite active.

 

[FuzzySpider]

On the other hand, I became a father in 2016.

Also, young people overwhelming went against the rise of this sort of sociopathic isolationism, and decided against sacrificing compassion for security. They're interested again, they're getting involved and starting to fight back. The rise of the alt-right is too terrifying to ignore.

 

[Ralph Vargr]

On the other hand, I became a father in 2016.

Also, young people overwhelming went against the rise of this sort of sociopathic isolationism, and decided against sacrificing compassion for security. They're interested again, they're getting involved and starting to fight back. The rise of the alt-right is too terrifying to ignore.

That's not stopping employers much...

Old dogs like me remind younger engineers of their parents, catching them screwing up. With photos, video, and data.

With management, I have already heard all the lies before, and am not a "team player" who will work 18+ hours a day, for metrics that are not physically possible to achieve.

They don't like that. Especially when I win the argument (after they have failed). Far worse is that Mean Old Uncle Ralph was right again. The guy who is old enough to be your *grandparent*.