This is why its called a depression

A fascinating article from BBC: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/

7426794.stm

Though the intentions of the group who took the photos seems to be
genuine, I can't help but feel these people are now more at risk,
exposed.

Yet, moreover, I am awed by the fact that tribes exist that are not
in contact with the rest of the world. My students are truly
addicted to electronics. They seem as compelled to text message
their friend across the room or in the next class as an alcoholic is
compelled to drink.

I wonder what it would be like to live in a community where each had
to participate for the survival of all. I feel jaded and disconnected.

First, even out in East Los Angeles, where I usually fill up on my
way to Spanish class, the gas has gone up to over $4 a gallon without
any indication of stopping.

Today, my school laptop was stolen. Though not my own property, it
is the computer I was assigned to use for work and, teaching
filmmaking and media, I did use it a lot. I have backups of
everything. Yet, it somehow feels very personal. I've had other
equipment stolen, which, though limiting our access in times of run
down batteries and such, did not take anyone's personal work or
inhibit the running of the class. On this computer were my personal
work files -- all my lessons, work emails, and, the biggest lost,
copies of our first semester projects. I am sure i have a back up of
those somewhere, but I am not sure where at the moment. At my
school, stolen laptops are common. However, it is also likely to
have been an employee. My room was locked (we were having a great
video shoot in the girl's restroom . .. lots of fun and creativity
happening, for once!) only to return to my room sans laptop. My room
has a key that limited people have. It is rather mysterious and sad
and frustrating.

Is it so much to ask to just be able to go in and teach student
without having to worry about locking down each tool I have to teach,
each pencil and computer and camera and light? It just seems to
amplify an anxiety, distrust and desperation (the thief's not mine)
that I expect to increase as I see the economy spiral into a black
hole of its own creation.

Then somewhere, in the forests of Brazil and Peru, are tribes that
have somehow managed to survive without being sucked into cell
phones, tv, credit cards, home mortgages, and really lovely laptop
computers. I doubt i could survive there and I know I am somewhat
romanticizing their isolation. I lost a laptop that wasn't mine and
will minimal information that can be used to harm me. Their entire
environment is under threat by loggers and developers. It puts it
all into perspective, but I still think I need that second glass of
wine tonight.