world peace: one fucking email at a time

Forwarded emails generally make their way to my "trash" without even a glimpse. You'll never catch me responding to a chain letter and you can pretty much forget about me adding my name to a "Save the (fill in the blank)" campaign.

Since last Saturday I have discovered a few of those listless emails in my gmail box. UGH. A friend has sent emails on the following:

-clubbing of baby seals
-stopping AIDS via email
-subscribing to a poverty site

Obviously, the sender isn't practicing cognizant behavior because most individuals with a computer or access to email have seen such web material and realize that it is pointless. These things crowd one's inbox, annoy, and result in nothing but cyber space clutter. I really don't think AIDS will be eradicated through msn, Myspace isn't going to be the sole savior of brutalized baby seals, and a blogspot will have no effect on the homeless. Most of us (or at least I hope) realize that the only way to begin to create change is by implementing programs and being active participant's--not enjoying palatial lifestyles with infused vodka cocktails hitting a send button from our laptops.

The web is a passive tool. It allows us to feel in touch with reality, but we aren't. The Internet distorts truths, it is indirect, and allows us say what we want without having to deal with real repercussions in real time. I think it's a great tool for research, artwork, shopping, expression, etc., but it's also harmful. We get further and further away from true life when closer to the web.

I can guarantee that we're not bring out world peace one email at a time. Instead we're pissing more people off, which seems to me, counterproductive. Active behavior resonates much more than passiveness--ya'll.