FunnyIndian.com: Indian Comedian / Desi Comedian Rajiv Satyal

Fatbook

February 15th, 2010

Fatbook.

That’s what a friend of mine recently called Facebook due to all of the now-overweight people from high school who are sending her requests.

In December, my friend Casey sent me an article about how Facebook is ruining our memories because it’s allowing us to peer too heavily into the lives of people we associate w/ our pasts. Click on that link – it’s worth reading.

When I read Back to the Future (which is actually a pretty darned good book), it was interesting to read Doc Brown talking about how the past can be changed because of events in the present and future. I agree – maybe it’s not the actual past but it’s the perception of it and that’s what matters.

Or maybe the past itself can change. Watching LOST this season will make you think that.

Anyway, here was my (somewhat edited) response to him… and hopefully my high school friends’ perception of me isn’t changed for the worse… I’m still the same guy. (Hope that’s a good thing.)

—

this was interesting. and this time, my delay is appropriate – it probably feels like you sent this email in high school.

tho, since i know since you’re a year older than i, that’s not likely. 1994 was the 1st year email was used in a widespread sort of fashion. at least in my experience.

which brings me to an interesting point. we were always told that we’d never see our high school friends again – or very few of them, at any rate. the internet changed all of that, specifically in 1994, the year i graduated high school, and to me a significant year for many reasons.

indeed, i remember the most exciting time of my life as being fall semester of freshman year. not only was i quickly making all of these college friends, each week brought several electronic messages from friends w/ whom i really wanted to keep in-touch. i looked fwd to this flurry of missives almost as much as i did meeting new people in class or at parties. it was a way to stay connected w/ the past. i, for one, have very much been able to keep the past and future (present) separate.

i just threw our 15-year reunion and was quite disappointed. (and to anyone who attended, i certainly don’t mean that i didn’t like seeing YOU – i had several very good conversations and really enjoyed speaking to many people there.) it was just quite a contrast from the 5- and 10-. some people wondered why we even did a 15. most schools don’t. but a lot of people were mad they didn’t find out about the 10. “but when is it?” despite the fact that we advertised on TV, radio, and in print… sent it out on myspace (then more of the rage)… and emailed and called people and sent out mailers.

besides, their class president is one of the most findable in the known universe. and the fact that anyone SHOULD have been able to add 94 and 10 and get 04. “but when is it?” that’s public education for you.

so, when we had a very low turnout for the 15 (including many of the same folks who complained about missing the 10), i think i finally resolved to throw the 20, but not worry so much as to whether people come. the point is that some people did show up. and it was worth it for those of us who took it for what it was – just seeing people and what they’re up to. so, now when i think of that night, i’m not so concerned w/ the people who didn’t make it but rather enjoy remembering the good times i had.

i think facebook gives folks an option of looking people up and staying connected. it’s neat. there’s no rule – or even etiquette – that states you must accept people’s requests.

i think a lot of people run away from their high school memories b/c they were mostly bad. this is b/c most people are losers and were even bigger losers in high school. i see it all the time in hollywood. just this past week, someone was talking about wanting to make it just to “show all those dicks back home.” i’m so sure. what a terrible reason to do anything.

personally, i don’t want to make it to show people that i’m better than they are. i’m GOING to make it BECAUSE i’m better than they are. (this calls for the much-desired sarcasm font.)

if you’re secure, and had a good upbringing and good experiences, connecting w/ people – both old and new – should be a delight.

if it’s not, you’re probably a douche-b and you should get that checked out.

Entry Filed under: Uncategorized