Z for Zachariah...

At some point when I was in grade school I read a book called Z for Zachariah. To the best of my recollection it was a story about some girl that was the lone survivor of a nuclear war, and wanders around in this valley all alone, on, and on, and on. I read a lot when I was young, and nothing about that book seemed particularly interesting to me except for the title. When you're that age, titles are generally pretty straightforward. The Red Coat: Winterwear of a particular color. A Lonely Puppy: Runaway dog. Z for Zachariah...



At that age, it made no sense to me, so I was intrigued to find out what exactly that was all about. At some point in the book, after realizing that she has been left alone through the nuclear fallout, the main character (the story, I believe, was written in first-person) describes her recollection of a children's alphabet book where the first page is A for Adam, and is related to how Adam was the first man on the planet. I don't remember the analogy exactly, but the main character had come to the realization that she was the last person on the planet, and had related that to the letter Z, and concludes that She must be Zachariah, presumably the last man in the Bible.


Some pretty heavy, if obvious, symbolic undertones for a children's book. And, while the hypothetical question has been posed to all of us, I don't think any of us actually believe that we will ever be the last person on the planet.*



In certain respects, though, we are already. As typing, texting, and tweeting become more and more prevalent means of communicating, the act of a simple conversation falls by the wayside. The comforting humanity of a face to face chat and a sweaty handshake has now become icy and awkward. As our interpersonal skills diminish, so does our respect and appreciation for one another.



Technology is an invaluable tool, and an uncontrollable evil. It lends power and credence to cowards. Literally written into the foundation of this country is the designation of confronting one's accusers as a man's god-given birthright. However, with the advent of the internet anyone can say anything they want without having to live under the very valuable fear of repercussions. Tough to punch someone in the face through an internet connection.



As I sit here and aimlessly circle for a conclusion, I realize that there isn't one. Technology will continue to advance, and do great things for our society and our planet. Unfortunately the dreck of our terribly lazy and out of touch country will continue to abuse it. All I can do is be responsible for myself. I have an infinite number of character flaws. One thing I pride myself on is that I never say anything behind someone's back that I wouldn't say to their face. Hopefully that is apparent to people that I interact with. Hopefully they will hold me accountable. And maybe, just maybe, they will decide that is something they'd like to strive for as well.





*In the event of the zombie apocalypse, grab anything that can be used as a weapon, and meet me and the rest of The Volksfrai Movement on the roof of the Costco.