Israel’s News Blog Magazine: Daily Stories Video and Photos
A small, genial Philippine woman, probably on the way back from a long, hard day at work, waits for the bus. It’s already 21.00 and pretty dark outside, and no bus to be seen. She looks across the street – something gets her attention. But not for too long. She’s just too tired.
On Rothschild Blvd. there’s a group of about 30 young men and women. Each stands alone, absorbed in themselves and moves in their own mysterious ways, all dancing in a very non-coordinated way. They all wear headphones, and are apparently listening to completely different sorts of music.
Mobile clubbing. You cannot pass by without looking, and even smiling at the dancing (?) people. They seem to enjoy themselves; they don’t disturb anyone (no “Put that music down, people are trying to sleep here!”)…
Yet somehow there’s something a bit annoying in the whole thing. Maybe it’s just that usually people trying too hard to be cool and unique are actually as far from it as possible. But maybe it’s something deeper.
The need to see and be seen is inherited in us humans, true enough, but being the social creatures that we are, such a lack of communication is quite disturbing. I hate to be a party-pooper, but I think the beauty of dancing lies in its tribal quality, in sharing the excitement of the music played and communicating with other people who enjoy it too. And these people just stand there with their headphones on, without even looking at each other…
I have a better suggestion. Want to express yourself in public and react to music freely? Try dancing to the cool song playing on the radio when you’re on the bus, or in the mall, or just standing in line to the doctor’s. I bet you’ll find eager partners – they just wait for you to make the first move!
(Photograph courtesy of Nana)
One Comment
Welcome to the millennium generation! Their message: “It is as much an effort for me as it is for you.” (quality communication).
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