I'M WORRIED!
I'm beginning to worry about us. Who's us? My people, my neighbors, my fellow Pike Countians. I'm starting to wonder if we are losing our respect for others, our Hillbilly Way.
Whether it be driving, eating in a restaurant, standing in line for something or just cruising the aisles of whatever "Mart" it may be, I'm seeing a difference and I do not like it.
Here's what I don't like; the lack of common respect. Giving someone a break in traffic, having 10 items in your grocery buggy and the guy behind you has 2 and you don't say, "hey go ahead and you can get gone", foul language in a public place, giving a minumum wage cashier the benefit of the doubt in a store when they follow policy to protect their job and it inconviences us for 30 seconds. I'm put out.
I love Pikeville and Pike County. I was born here, make my home and living here, and I hope when the time comes to be given back to the earth, it will be on the side of a Pike County hill. I think we are a model for small communities throughout the nation. No, we are not perfect, but we have a lot going for us. I know everyone doesn't have city water, sewer, paved roads and the like, but I honestly believe we are ahead of the game for areas as geographically challenged as we are. What worries me is that I remember when Lexington was a tremendously "southern" city. People would make eye contact and smile, they spoke with an accent that was predominantly southern, they would give you a break in traffic and be courteous in general. Now, Lexington had might as well be any urban area in the country. It has lost its' charm. It's just another city. The more modern we become, the more we are acting like urban dwellers.
I consider myself tuned into these things because of my job. I'm bad to get lost in my thoughts and not speak to people in places where I should, or to wave at them in traffic. I don't do it intentionally, I just get lost in my head. Before I would have anybody think I'm stuck up or arrogant, I would go out onto the side of one of these hills and expedite my return to the earth. I wasn't raised thay way, I don't think that way nor will I conduct myself that way in any lucid moment. However, in trying to correct my own shortcomings I'm noticing that more of us are losing common respect. The more I drive, the more I shop, the more events I attend, the more I notice it. I'm bothered.
Look around. See if you don't agree. I could set here and write about specifics for hours, but it would only illustrate my experiences. How about yours? Are you seeing this? I guess the bottom line is this; clean up your own backyard like I'm trying to do. You'll notice in the beginning of this deal I said "us" not just "you or them". I guess that if I'm lost in my thoughts then I'm concentrating on me. I need to be even more considerate of others. I've often thought myself to be considerate, but the more of the words and thoughts I pour onto this page the more I realize that I am guilty too.
I will do better.
Will you? Please?
Stay tuned
Randy
Whether it be driving, eating in a restaurant, standing in line for something or just cruising the aisles of whatever "Mart" it may be, I'm seeing a difference and I do not like it.
Here's what I don't like; the lack of common respect. Giving someone a break in traffic, having 10 items in your grocery buggy and the guy behind you has 2 and you don't say, "hey go ahead and you can get gone", foul language in a public place, giving a minumum wage cashier the benefit of the doubt in a store when they follow policy to protect their job and it inconviences us for 30 seconds. I'm put out.
I love Pikeville and Pike County. I was born here, make my home and living here, and I hope when the time comes to be given back to the earth, it will be on the side of a Pike County hill. I think we are a model for small communities throughout the nation. No, we are not perfect, but we have a lot going for us. I know everyone doesn't have city water, sewer, paved roads and the like, but I honestly believe we are ahead of the game for areas as geographically challenged as we are. What worries me is that I remember when Lexington was a tremendously "southern" city. People would make eye contact and smile, they spoke with an accent that was predominantly southern, they would give you a break in traffic and be courteous in general. Now, Lexington had might as well be any urban area in the country. It has lost its' charm. It's just another city. The more modern we become, the more we are acting like urban dwellers.
I consider myself tuned into these things because of my job. I'm bad to get lost in my thoughts and not speak to people in places where I should, or to wave at them in traffic. I don't do it intentionally, I just get lost in my head. Before I would have anybody think I'm stuck up or arrogant, I would go out onto the side of one of these hills and expedite my return to the earth. I wasn't raised thay way, I don't think that way nor will I conduct myself that way in any lucid moment. However, in trying to correct my own shortcomings I'm noticing that more of us are losing common respect. The more I drive, the more I shop, the more events I attend, the more I notice it. I'm bothered.
Look around. See if you don't agree. I could set here and write about specifics for hours, but it would only illustrate my experiences. How about yours? Are you seeing this? I guess the bottom line is this; clean up your own backyard like I'm trying to do. You'll notice in the beginning of this deal I said "us" not just "you or them". I guess that if I'm lost in my thoughts then I'm concentrating on me. I need to be even more considerate of others. I've often thought myself to be considerate, but the more of the words and thoughts I pour onto this page the more I realize that I am guilty too.
I will do better.
Will you? Please?
Stay tuned
Randy
