You, Me, and the Shortbus We Rode In On
Sep. 11th, 2006 09:43 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
jmfargoHumanity is stupid. We're born useless but cute so that our parents will love us, and our defenses up until we're about 5 or 6 all swing around that fickle thing known roughly as "motherly love." It's all because of the cuteness that there are so many babies wondering this land, the cuteness and maybe one or two reasons that I can't think of because man, kids don't DO anything.
From an evolution standpoint I just don't get it. We don't have claws, or teeth capable of doing much more than tearing and chewing pre-killed foods; the only big amount of hair (for most of us) is on our heads where supposedly it helps keep our heat in but in actuality is little more than a pawn in the mating ritual games we play; our bodies are a joke when looked at compared to other animals, all our parts out there where they're unprotected, easy pickin's.
So here we are, the race that got the short stack when it came to "survivable qualities,"the race that just simply doesn't make sense as a dominant species and what do we do? We breed, take over the place, and rule with an iron fist.
I think we might be back-sliding.
We have this magnificent brain that we're told is the reason we were able to dominate and subjegate the planet around us. we've used it to invent things to make life easier and more fulfilling, we've even used it to go to the moon*! Our brain IS our huge survival factor in this world.
Somehow though, we debate that evolution is just a theory and that Creationism is a science. We destroy one another in war that is obviously very anti-survival behavior. We create wonderous beautiful things, art, music, theoretical sciences, and the things to crush it all beneath an onslaught of destructive sciences, some of which could simply happen accidentally**.
Everything is automated now. People can't do simple math because we have calculators for that; they can't be bothered to spell check because we have machines for that and besides who cares, right? People aren't learning the basics before they jump into the higher levels, they just skip what can be done by computers, trusting little things, big things, and all levels between to the machines that make life simpler for them. Simpler, faster, and more interesting, these are our overriding goals, even as it makes us less knowledgeable on those things that got us there.
We have our big brains making big machines, making up for parts of our brains that we don't want to have to use, like simple math. Eventually our brains degrade to the point where they're not a survival factor any longer because we rely on the computers to help us. The computers deteriorate because we don't remember how to fix the robots that fixed the computers. Everything falls apart and there we are, staring at the wild animals, holding our crude clubs, and freezing in the winter.
But hey, at least our babies look cute, right? That'll keep the species alive when our brains are no longer enough.
*Okay, we used rockets, I admit it..
**We are currently trying to create mini black-holes on Earth. This doesn't sound like a good idea to me, anyone else? Other things that scare me are attemping to reach absolute zero, messing with our ozone layer by using it as a radio transimission enhancer, and putting missles in space, pointing...outward?
From an evolution standpoint I just don't get it. We don't have claws, or teeth capable of doing much more than tearing and chewing pre-killed foods; the only big amount of hair (for most of us) is on our heads where supposedly it helps keep our heat in but in actuality is little more than a pawn in the mating ritual games we play; our bodies are a joke when looked at compared to other animals, all our parts out there where they're unprotected, easy pickin's.
So here we are, the race that got the short stack when it came to "survivable qualities,"the race that just simply doesn't make sense as a dominant species and what do we do? We breed, take over the place, and rule with an iron fist.
I think we might be back-sliding.
We have this magnificent brain that we're told is the reason we were able to dominate and subjegate the planet around us. we've used it to invent things to make life easier and more fulfilling, we've even used it to go to the moon*! Our brain IS our huge survival factor in this world.
Somehow though, we debate that evolution is just a theory and that Creationism is a science. We destroy one another in war that is obviously very anti-survival behavior. We create wonderous beautiful things, art, music, theoretical sciences, and the things to crush it all beneath an onslaught of destructive sciences, some of which could simply happen accidentally**.
Everything is automated now. People can't do simple math because we have calculators for that; they can't be bothered to spell check because we have machines for that and besides who cares, right? People aren't learning the basics before they jump into the higher levels, they just skip what can be done by computers, trusting little things, big things, and all levels between to the machines that make life simpler for them. Simpler, faster, and more interesting, these are our overriding goals, even as it makes us less knowledgeable on those things that got us there.
We have our big brains making big machines, making up for parts of our brains that we don't want to have to use, like simple math. Eventually our brains degrade to the point where they're not a survival factor any longer because we rely on the computers to help us. The computers deteriorate because we don't remember how to fix the robots that fixed the computers. Everything falls apart and there we are, staring at the wild animals, holding our crude clubs, and freezing in the winter.
But hey, at least our babies look cute, right? That'll keep the species alive when our brains are no longer enough.
*Okay, we used rockets, I admit it..
**We are currently trying to create mini black-holes on Earth. This doesn't sound like a good idea to me, anyone else? Other things that scare me are attemping to reach absolute zero, messing with our ozone layer by using it as a radio transimission enhancer, and putting missles in space, pointing...outward?
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no subject
Date: 2006-09-12 03:26 am (UTC)Two words - opposable thumbs. ;)
no subject
Date: 2006-09-12 02:09 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-09-12 04:25 pm (UTC)Personally I think so, but only because they look all sleek, suave, and awesome swimming through the water.
no subject
Date: 2006-09-12 06:04 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-09-14 11:58 pm (UTC)And yeah, I figured it was tongue-in-cheek, but wanted to make an otters ruling the world reference. I'm strange like that.
Warning: May Offend People
Date: 2006-09-12 02:11 pm (UTC)We, as a species, have no natural defenses. We have no armor, no spines, no venom, not even claws. We are not capable of changing color to blend in, nor are we especially fast. Our vision is average at best.
In short, the human race is the epitome of natural mediocrity. We are average across the board. Yet, somehow, we became the top of the food chain, a place where we are comfortable in protecting those who used to be our predators, comfortable in choosing to put ourselves on the bottom of the food chain. Comfortable to be whatever we damn well please.
Of course, you can argue that the human brain is its' greatest advantage. Of course it is, no doubts there. But when humankind was but a blemish on the Earth, simply a group of monkeys who had the odd idea to stand up, that brain was not a very large advantage. At times, that advantage became a hindrance.
It is a hindrance even today sometimes, where we believe we must think things through rather than following our instincts, where we believe our lives are about everything else. Not true! Our lives are about ourselves! That is why they are our lives.
Darwinism agrees on that point as well. Those who follow their instincts and look after themselves survive, while those who rely on the support of others soon die. Never will you see a wolf look after another. Never will you see a deer go back for the stragglers. Never will you see a blind animal survive in the wild. Why? Because these creatures have traits that are unhealthy for the species as a whole. Instinct tells to leave these behind.
So why does today's society no longer believe we are subject to Evolution? We are, and Nature is fighting to keep up with us. We treat diseases, so Nature creates stronger versions to throw at us. If we were to simply let disease come through and kill, the survivors would develop immunity, and the problem would help itself.
The same holds true with the deaf, the blind, the handicapped, the sick, the elderly...but we fight against Nature and take care of people such as these.
We choose to dilute the purity and strength of our species because of the one advantage that Nature gave us: our brains.
But why do we fight natural selection? Why do we endanger our species as a whole so the individual may thrive?
Re: Warning: May Offend People
Date: 2006-09-12 04:30 pm (UTC)But perhaps you have stumbled on why we have risen to rule the world - instead of leaving those behind that are physically weaker than the rest we help them, we find a place in the world where they can still function, and we make sure that we do our damndest to keep our herd whole.
Personally I find that to be one of humanity's biggest strengths, the ability to care for one another.
Re: Warning: May Offend People
Date: 2006-09-12 04:34 pm (UTC)We choose to dilute the purity and strength of our species because of the one advantage that Nature gave us: our brains.
But why do we fight natural selection? Why do we endanger our species as a whole so the individual may thrive?
Potentially, yes we would be stronger, from a Darwinian perspective. However, without such individuals who have had disabilities (from socities standards/perspective) we might never have known the genius or beauty of several siginficant individuals. Not to mention the inspirational motivations that these individuals have set out to accomplish. Hell, if I accomplish even a tenth of what some of these individuals have accomplished in their lives I'll be happy.
Such individuals:
Goya:
Spanish painter (1746-1828): At age 46, an illness left him deaf. He went on to create the most famous Spanish art of the 19th century.
Stephen Hawking:
Brilliant physicist/mathematician who has Lou Gehrigs Disease and is in a wheelchair. He needs a computer to speak.
John Milton:
English Author/poet (1608-1674): He became blind at age 43. He went on to create his most famous epic, Paradise Lost.
Ludwig van Beethoven:
(Famous Musician) - known to be deaf and yet still created music that is still widely listened to and studied.
Helen Keller:
(Devoted Life to Persons with Disabilities) She was Blind, Deaf, and Mute and people thought she had no appreciable value.
Franklin D. Roosevelt:
Franklin D. Roosevelt had Polio, was governor of New York State then elected President of the United States for four terms, something no other president has done.
Christopher Reeve:
Never has a person with a disability commanded so much media attention in recent history. Christopher Reeve, crippled after a horse-riding injury, wanted to be up on his feet & wanted to help others stand confident too. His life was dedicated to harnessing the power of medical research to further this cause.
Robin Williams:
(famous Hollywood Star) Diagnosed to be suffering from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder(ADHD) as a child. He never refuses a role related to medicine e.g Awakenings, Patch Adams.
Sudha Chandran:(Indian actress and classical dancer):
This brave lady dances with a Jaipur foot. She has acted in a movie on classical dance called "Nache Mayuri" & today acts in a variety of TV serials.
Tom Cruise:
(Hollywood Star): is severely dyslexic.
Walt Disney:
Had a learning disability.
Michael Bolton:
(famous Singer): Deaf in one ear.
Marlee Matlin:
Marlee Matlin is a stand-up comedian and an actress. Some of her films include A Dead Silence, My Party,A Hear No Evil, A Bridge to Silence, A Walker, and A Children of A Lesser God. In 1987, she captivated the world by winning the Academy Award for Best Actress in the film A Children of a Lesser God. Marlee Matlin became deaf in infancy due to Roseola infantum. However, deafness has not disabled her or her career.
Marla Runyan:
One of the women representing the United States in the 1500 meter track event at the 2000 Olympics was Marla Runyan. The American runner
finished seventh in her preliminary heat and rose to sixth in the semifinals to qualify for the finals. During the final race, Marla lost track of the major competitors. She finished in eighth position, 3.20 seconds behind the gold medal winner. In 1996, Marla set several track and field records at the Paralympics in Atlanta, Georgia. Following that success, Marla wanted to compete in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney -- even though she is legally blind. The 31-year-old runner has been diagnosed with Stargardt disease. This is a condition that leaves her with a limited ability to see what is in front of her. In Sydney, Marla became the first legally blind athlete to compete in an Olympics.
Re: Warning: May Offend People
Date: 2006-09-12 04:43 pm (UTC)(Hollywood Star): is severely dyslexic.
Not to mention completely frellin' nuts. :)
Otherwise, yes, this is mostly the point I was trying to make in my response. A disability doesn't mean you can't do wonderous amazing things, and that's a big reason why we help.
The other reason, again like I said, is because humans care, and that sets us apart I think. I'm not saying animals don't care, but we get to do something about it.
Re: Warning: May Offend People
Date: 2006-09-12 04:59 pm (UTC)I agree, however he does have a disability. Granted, I'm personally in favor of the whole 'disability' issue being scaled to levels that are appropriate too. Many times people are 'diagnosed' with a disability when if fact it is nothing major. Too often in today's society we simply label someone as this or that and don't realize that these are nothing more than convience, not truth.
But that's a discussion for another thread.
no subject
Date: 2006-09-12 02:39 pm (UTC)We don't grow our own food anymore. We can't render fat to make soap and candles routinely. We don't have a stillroom, or sleep with our animals indoors to protect our source of meat and labor, etc etc. I was raised by a survivalist and I have to tell you he's ill equiped to function in the world he's actually in. the brain can only hold so much knowledge. So we've transferred some of it to our own library of alexandria. I think the total collapse of all thing is less likely than needing good powerpoint skills to pay for the altenative fuels.
no subject
Date: 2006-09-12 04:27 pm (UTC)2) The Library of Alexandria burned.
3) I want to move to a remote area and raise my own animals and farm. The only problem is I need to find a way to do that and still have Broadband internet access and health insurance...
4) 90% of people who use Powerpoint to make presentations don't actually have any Powerpoint skills. In fact, I'm sick of Powerpoint presentations. For one of my final group presentations, I printed out transparencies. And while other groups spent 10-15 minutes trying to get their laptops to work with the projector while everyone sat around mumbling and waiting, ours was ready to go as soon as we stood up.
-tt
p.s. - I'm older and grumpier than 'miah, and I've always wanted a brain pipe-cleaner so I can clean out all that junk I don't want up there and make room for more stuff I do... :)
p.p.s. - I also believe in the de-evolution of mankind, but for reasons beyond those listed.
no subject
Date: 2006-09-12 08:41 pm (UTC)1) Agree.
2) I'm aware of that -
3) That one's all you.
4) I'm aware of that too -
PS, I'm pretty grumpy too, we should have an old-a-thon.
no subject
Date: 2006-09-12 04:46 pm (UTC)However, I disbelieve this notion that human beings can only hold so much information - I just think our brain is the least used muscle in most peoples heads and if we learned to exercise it better then we could do so much more with it. I'm not talking ESP (as much as that's a different subject I could talk for days about) but instead just simple recall and rememberance. If we don't Darwin ourselves backwards instead of forwards and we actually start evolving instead of devolving, I think we'll see that the brain is the biggest source of change in what is to come.
Or at least, I hope. I also think that our "evolution" is probably going to involve cyborging ourselves, but I'd like to see nature take its course instead.
no subject
Date: 2006-09-12 05:04 pm (UTC)Now that's just crazy talk! You be quiet with your nature ways! I, for one, would welcome cyborging ourselves out. Hell, I want to be one of the first to do so. I'm all about being a brain in a jar inside a fully functioning machine of ultimate destruction. Man, you just can't get more sci-fi than that. Sure, they (whoever does this first) won't allow for a fully optimized robot of destruction, but when you're a frakking cyborg you'll get nothing but respect and utter admiration. Not to mention the ease of downloading subroutines and things-to-do so that you'll never forget. Yeah, sign me up.
no subject
Date: 2006-09-12 05:11 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-09-12 08:43 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-09-12 04:12 pm (UTC)Now, just for the record, we need to be watching out. There are other animals out there that have refined tool usage. Such examples of this are ravens. They have been known to use three, not one but three different tools to help create their nests. So watch out for that black feathered bird my friend, because one will never know in fact if the last words you breath will say, "nevermore."
no subject
Date: 2006-09-12 04:34 pm (UTC)I'm just waiting for them to use them against each other, and then they'll develop The Bomb, and we'll be on the way out.