The Invisible Plexiglas: Reflections on Human Connection and Safety

The story of objects.

Have you ever thought that every object you cross paths with has a story to tell? From the screw you find on the sidewalk to the banana peel that stayed in the middle of the street or the shoes that hang from the telephone wire or the light.

What if objects could tell us their story? I'm sure we'd discover all sorts of adventures, from the object that went to the woods and lived an exciting journey alongside its owner, only to fall in the middle of the train station, to the dime coin that slipped out of some elderly person's wallet who earned it with great effort.

Each object has something to tell and doesn't need to talk to convey its story; all you need is to observe and have an open mind. Recently, I've been using mobile platform transportation to get from my home to the school where I teach, and I've discovered all sorts of stories with the drivers.

However, one of these days I got into a vehicle that had a metal grille separating the front from the back, and it made me think, what story is this grille telling us? A story of prevention? Or perhaps a story of reaction? What situation could the driver have lived through that led them to install a grille to divide their space from the passenger's? And more importantly, where does human connection fit in?

This leaves us reflecting on the insecurity situation that drivers are probably experiencing and the sad reality where a person has to sacrifice human connections for the sake of their safety. One of the drivers I did start a conversation with told me that being a driver for this type of transportation requires courage because they constantly face threats from arrogant passengers, especially when working at night.

This made me think about how many innovations are hindered by an individualistic mindset where people, instead of appreciating the benefit obtained from the work of others, take advantage of the opportunity to attack or belittle them.

What can we do?

As we reflect on the stories behind everyday objects, let's also think about how we can create a more compassionate and connected world. What small actions can you take today to show appreciation for the people who serve you? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below. Let's start a conversation about how we can build a more empathetic and understanding community.

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