Posts Tagged ‘computers’

Resistance to Change: A Baby Boomer’s Perspective on Computers and the Internet

A lot of people resist transition and therefore never allow themselves to enjoy who they are. Embrace the change, no matter what it is; once you do, you can learn about the new world you’re in and take advantage of it.” ~Nikki Giovanni 

“Why can’t things go back to the way they use to be?” That rhetorical question was asked by my friend, Jay, a fellow boomer who frequently expresses dislike for most things technical including computers and cell phones. His disdain for such gadgets is not only the result of occasional encounters with computerized devices that refuse to yield to his touch; it is ongoing warfare with any gadget that requires more steps to operate than turning it on and off.  And although he occasionally uses the Internet, he feels that he could easily live without it, without email, without cell phones and texting. I could go on, but that might imply that he is a dinosaur, which would be an insult to every prehistoric creature ever recreated in a computer simulation.

Humans are creatures of habit. We get used to doing the same old things, the same old way. Change will never be embraced by everyone, nor will resistance to change prevent it. Like it or not — change happens; so the sensible thing to do would be to accept and enjoy it.

I recently went to the post office to mail a small package. Sometimes when I go there, I purchase a roll of stamps that usually lasts for several months, because I use them infrequently to snail mail a birthday card or send something to one of the few organizations that still doesn’t offer online services. On this particular day, when the clerk asked me if I needed stamps, I said that I didn’t need any and she replied with a wide grin, “You know y’all have to mail those bills, don’t you?” I returned her smile and responded innocently, “No, I pay my bills on line.” 

Freeze!  Apparently, I said the wrong thing on the wrong day, because

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The Winds of Change: A Boomer vs. Technology

 “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your atittude.” 
                                                                                                                         Maya Angelou

Photo By Alexander Schaesis

Baby Boomers, do you remember your first time?  Not that first time. I’m talking about the first time you used a personal computer. Unlike infants today who are practically born with a computer mouse in their hand, many Boomers were full-fledged adults when we came face-to-face with the big kahuna.

My reluctant introduction to the PC occurred in 1985, when the nonprofit office where I was employed received a large box from our out-of-state headquarters. Inside the box was a used Apple Macintosh Computer. Like a second child receiving hand-me-down clothing from an older sibling, our branch office which did not have a computer got the cast-off while the main office bought newer models for their administrative staff.

I was the sole support staff in a small, two person office. Neither my manager nor I were computer literate and — typical of contented people confronted with sudden change — neither of us wanted anything to do with a PC. There was no manual inside the box containing our used computer, but it did arrive with something else; a two word dictate from the main office:  learn it.

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