Shining Stars

At a time when it appears there is clearly no bottom to the dark state of all things foreign and domestic, I am confident that sunlight is the solution, and definitely not because we’re in Florida. Bear with me. The well-known quote “Sunlight is the best disinfectant,” from the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis, refers to the benefits of openness and transparency. As in, sunlight shining on something being the most effective way to expose and prevent corruption or unethical behavior.

Like a disinfectant, public scrutiny cleanses issues when brought to light. Or at least it used to in the “before” times. I know it sounds ridiculous, but back in the halcyon days of Watergate, we were taught in journalism school that making government actions visible to the public would deter misconduct. And it did for a while.

We could use some of that right about now.

Amid all of this darkness, let me shed some light on something deeply personal: I actually considered doing a “Phone-Free February.” I know: Horrors!

You may have heard of “Dry January,” in which one refrains from drinking any alcohol as a personal challenge – for 31 days.

Didn’t do that. Not doing it. Ever.

But for the second month of the year, there’s this thing called a phone-free challenge to help you become less tied to your phone. Rebecca thought I should try it. Too late, hon.

Apparently, this is serious business as new research shows that screen time equals higher rates of obesity, problems with sleep and mental health issues. Psychologists are treating it as an addiction.

According to a recent story that I read (on my phone), there’s a campaign by the Global Solidarity Foundation, established in 2022 by two very smart guys, one Swiss and one from the United Kingdom, to address global inequality and achieve a sustainable society. (They even have a new campaign called “GiveAShit,” which is intriguing. Sign me up.)

The GSF’s mission is to raise awareness about climate change and address sustainable development goals. I have no idea how this relates to people reducing their smartphone usage. But it does, and one way to do this is to make your phone as boring as possible.

The larger question they pose: What do you need your phone for?

I could be wrong, but after spending an entire weekend with my great “Generation Z” niece and nephew watching teen-age boys play tournament soccer in 70-something-degree heat and humidity, I’d say they need their phones for one thing only: breathing.

Before I continue my rant on that subject, I have another question: What happened to the carefree little boys who played in the grass blowing dandelion dust into the air as soccer balls rolled by them?

Answer: They’re now the fathers of these grown-up boys, lanky as trees, pushing and shoving and cursing each other on the field and sweating like, well, men. I feel very old, which I suppose I am. Still.

That said, and with all due respect, as my colleagues and I used to hear in staff meetings before evisceration by the boss, I asked both of these “born digital natives” (in a text, of course, because they were traveling) what they needed their phone for.

Right away, Elia, 18, texted this back: “Communication. Makes things a lot easier. And music.” Then she added, “It’s cold here” (sad emoji face).

They had just landed in Detroit, so I texted back sun and palm tree emojis with the words, “Come back!”

Andrew, 16, texted his answer: “probably communication and entertainment.” (Nothing about bitcoin? I think that stinker copied off his big sister’s screen.)

Good thing he’s the best defender ever, and his Michigan Stars Elite soccer team won the Dimitri Cup tournament in Lakewood Ranch over the weekend. Stars shine in sunny Florida even on a cloudy day. Yea!

Finally, I asked them both if they’d ever consider disabling their phone’s push notifications for nonessential apps or deleting them entirely.

Never heard from either of them again. (Kidding.)

Well, just the 18-year-old.

Said she turns off a lot of her notifications and actually enjoys not having her phone on or using it less for a short time. But without it, she’d miss her music and taking photos.

All of this monthly challenge business makes me wonder what’s in store for March.

Since our nation’s federal agencies barred MLK Jr. Day, Black History Month, Juneteenth, Pride Month and other “special observances” to comply with recent executive orders ending diversity, equity and inclusion programs, who knows? But you can bet March won’t be about women’s history.

Run toward the darkness, and shine, America.

(YouTube video: Here’s the “Live … At Last” version of Cyndi Lauper’s 2002 inspirational song, “Shine.” And don’t skip past the violinist’s introduction.)