Communication. It is happening 24/7 365 days a year and we are engaging in it constantly, whether we consciously know it or not. Not sure about that? Try and determine what percentage of your awake time per day comprises of the following: talking with a friend, in a work meeting, listening to a podcast, watching a movie, reading a book, answering emails, learning a new skill or hobby, scrolling facebook/Instagram/twitter/snapchat/other social media platforms, following a recipe, listening in on someone else's conversation (you know you do it), or being in an environment with background music. If we are being honest, MOST of our day is consumed with the list above. Even in our attempt at solitude, we are usually ingesting some form of communication and this communication is one of the many ingredients that constructs our worldview.
I find it interesting that with this much communication, and living in the bountiful harvest of the age of information, we seem to know more about Netflix shows (and our friend's reactions to said shows) than current events. I will call it 'glutinous communication consumerism', where we have so much communication to choose from that we choose that which entertains us most (fake news anyone?), and it is sadly one of the few negative side effects of the glorious first amendment adjusting to the technology boom.
So what does all of this have to do with a coffee shop? Well...I am almost there.
A journalist friend recently wrote a compelling argument stating that one of the greatest ways we could support freedom of speech and press is by supporting our local newspaper. Using an article from the New York Times, she showed how national news is derived from state media, which is derived from local media. What ended up informing the nation started with a small town newspaper. I think she stated it best when she said, "We [local media] are the cells that make up the body. You kill off the cells, you kill off the whole body--which is really bad, because in this metaphor, the body is democracy and an informed population."
Even with the ugly repercussions of fake news and pointless news, I think the first amendment is still vitally important, which means I should view my local press as vitally important too. So Three Tree Coffee now has the Statesboro Herald delivered to our door every morning. I want to support our local paper and inform our local community. Who knows...news that starts in Statesboro, GA may just inform the nation about an important current event. Stay informed friends, and engage the community.
Sincerely,
Philip Klayman
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