I’ve had a few beers & I’ve found myself on my soapbox. I’m proud to stink at taking selfies. Traveling, I watch far too many people focus solely on capturing themselves in the best light / pose / scene / etc w total disregard for what’s going on around them. The selfie stick has taken it to a whole other level. I watched a couple in Trinidad the other day & I bet, no exaggeration, this chick took no less than 1,000 pictures of herself in a matter of 20 minutes in various states of undress, sunglasses / squinting, hair up / down, I could go on but frankly rehashing it now is as boring as watching the real thing go down. I at first felt for the guy as he patiently sat nearby while this travesty unfolded. Until she asked him to participate & he happily took another 1,000 photos of her. I don’t think they had any appreciation for where they were, what they were seeing, the local culture… nothing. She just wanted the cutest photo to post on social media. They’re the same goddam people who I stand behind at shows in small venues as they record every song. They’re not watching or enjoying the show. They’re documenting it to post on YouTube later (or snapchat or whatever kids do these days) & brag to their friends they were there. Live in the goddam moment people. And if you’re not going to? Then get the hell out of my way & sit at home & watch other videos bc by recording it, you’re missing out on the actual experience (& you’re blocking my view’ your distracting smartphone). There’s one common thread in these situations… I seem to be the only one bothered by this social phenomenon. That’s how normal it’s become. 
I really think it’s a microcosm of what is wrong w society today. This isn’t just an American problem. It’s global. People are so goddamned self-involved they don’t give a shit about how other people are impacted by their actions, words, votes, etc. I used to say that traveling internationally for an extended period of time ought to be a pre-requisite for university. Now I feel I must qualify that by requiring volunteer experience to enforce a recognition of various levels of privilege, meaningful interactions w locals beyond simply a service capacity, legitimate attempts to communicate in the local language, appreciation of local customs & culture… maybe that will enable people to pull their head out of their asses, consider other people & actually experience what’s happening around them.