After our AIS discussion last week on how America is so centered around being on the move, and getting things done as fast as possible, I decided I'd pay attention to this for a day. It was actually unsettling how many things I noticed. As we mentioned in class, I noticed how absolutely no road I drove on twisted into more scenic territory. I then noticed how the Starbucks by my house was made into a drivethru Starbucks. Aren't people supposed to take a moment to enjoy their coffee? And what ever happened to sitting down at the coffee shop with an old friend, just to chat? I even noticed how my friend's family just recently replaced their decorated, twisty staircase for a boring straight one.
So, okay, what's wrong with just wanting to get stuff done fast? Just recently, one of my family members was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder that causes panic attacks in any stressful situation, which is something that's getting harder and harder to avoid. I did a little more research and found that 40 million American adults ages 18 and older have an anxiety disorder. This is SO much more than in any other country, and I am certain it is because of all the rushing and stressing Americans do. Perhaps due to my more personal perspective, I really don't think all these statistics are okay to ignore anymore. I strongly believe it's about time that work and school hours be cut, and different values be instilled in Americans' minds. While Americans are doing more research and taking more precautions to stop the spread of physical sicknesses, these totally preventable disorders are getting completely brushed aside. They can be just as serious.
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