Should Modern Society be Criticized for Being Materialistic?

   Well, if we're talking directly from the dictionary, then YES! Dictionaries construe the word "materialistic" as excessively concerned with material possessions, or money-oriented-- both are potentially deplorable. The modern world is obsessed with technology; practically all of it is handheld. Today, we see all people, young and old, worrying about what's next in technological advancement, from handhelds to flying cars. We have been conditioned to yearn for all types of technology, thanks to technology itself. It has come to the point where technology isn't even useful anymore-- it is now a kryptonite for us. We are impatient, dumb and lazy because of technology. What was supposed to help improve life has done the opposite. The world can't do anything without electronic devices. Our brains deteriorated, materialism has conquered the spotlight.
   The most common form of materialism is the usage of phones. You can go ahead and walk in a grocery store-- let me know how many people you saw with a phone in their possession. This isn't entirely bad, because let's face it; phones are impeccably convenient. I don't have one of my own because that's my business, but cellphones have definitely alleviated communication barriers a huge deal. But let's turn this cockroach on its back and see its ugly underside. Recently, smartphones have become a gaming device, too, as well as a means of social interaction. Facebook, Snapchat, Kik-- you name it. Phones and tablets have ability to access those. In fact, its main purpose has become to access social media. Instead of having a good conversation in person, we have those good conversations on the phone. What's more is that we are starting not to meet up with people anymore, but rather hit up Skype and talk things up. I'd rather not unfold more-- my fear of cockroaches is too big to get into detail of all the things technology and phone/tablet use have zhuzhed up. This cockroach is a bit too big for my blog, in fact.
   Let's get into money, though. I have a fly swatter, so I can swat this one down. Money has been with the beloved human race since the Neolithic Revolution. We've seen it evolve and create trade among civilizations worldwide. With all of its prestige and value, however, it is the devil. It is said in the Bible that the love of money is the root to all evil. This verse of scripture is right-- money has blessed a few and devastated many. The few that it has blessed have become impeccably greedy, and those who have been devastated by it have become desperate for it, like a god. Money has been idolized by both ends of the spectrum-- sounds like a materialistic mindset to me.
   So why is materialism to be criticized? Because it has made a fool of us humans, and we can't even see it! We see a beautiful siren floating in the Orinoco, and we just keep rowing gently down that stream until slice --let the blood drip from your back-- you've just been back-stabbed. This is why people can't focus so much on money or phones, because in the end, what's it going to accomplish you but status and temporary satisfaction until the iPhone 7 comes out? Well, looks like you're gonna need a bigger wallet. "Oh, no! Where's the moolah? I need that phone!" says the materialist.
 
 

Is It Necessary to Limit or Put Restrictions on Freedom of Thought and Expression?

   I wholeheartedly believe it is necessary to put a cap on my thoughts and expressions. As it says in the book of Ecclesiastes, there is a time and a place for all activity under the heavens. There is a time to speak and a time to be silent. With all the happenings going on today, however, people seem to be incapable of taming their thoughts and timing their words. So many issues have risen, and I truly think that big mouths and minds with no bounds are to lame, at least partly.
   One certainty is that a big mouth stirs up a lot of trouble. It never considers the thoughts of other mouths, and has no filter. It has no perception of its surroundings; its conscience is devoid. A big mouth never has a filter, so its words never go unheard. Good examples of big mouths include people who like to gossip and spread rumors. Or how about the media? They expose way too much, and everyone knows it. The media has no filter, and because of that, people get used to it. Once that happens, it becomes a habit, and soon enough, people begin to think it's OK to voice what's on their mind without the consideration of others. This isn't even the beginning of a big mouth; everyone has dealt with one at least once in their life, and they probably hate it.
   Freedom of thought is a good thing. Everyone is entitled to the luxury of thinking of whatever. Conversely, the problem is when the thoughts become actions. Moreover, lots of thoughts are quite unacceptable. Why? Well, there is a good distinction between good and bad. Good thoughts are things such as giving to the poor with compassion, or laughing with good friends-- you name it. Bad thoughts are things like raping women because they're weak and useless etc., or wishing bad luck for people, whatever the reason. It's common sense to put a boundary on the bad thoughts trail. Those ideas never get people anywhere in life unlike the good thoughts. And this is the problem-- people have lost their minds-- literally! Bad things are lovely, and rational things are too old and obsolete. What this creates is a mind that has no end to trouble, no discernment of good and bad. The more they pursue that path, the more twisted their ideology becomes. They share it with innocent souls, and those souls become no longer innocent.
   Or let's hear it this way. I'm a fairly conservative person; I was raised in a Christian environment, and I have never strayed from my relationship with God. My beliefs are anchored in Him, and I am effervescent to keep my thoughts pure and primarily on His face. Now, I am so aware that not everyone is a Christian. These are just my thoughts --which I am free to believe. Although it is my obligation to share Christ's love to everyone, my intention is not to overwhelm. With that said, if I ever encounter someone of a different walk of life, I will certainly not go Westboro Baptist on them, because that is out of line; I can't get angry at them simply because they don't share my beliefs. And they can't get mad at me for mine (I don't condone Westboro Baptist's dogmas, FYI)! It's a simple concept that nobody seems to grasp.
   Ultimately, freedom of thought and expression is a wonderful thing, but for the world, it is different in the minds and hearts of every single individual. Gay marriage can be accepted at one end, and it can be rejected on the other. Islam can be tarnished with lies to one person, but it can be beautiful to another. Voicing these opinions without care can ruin the chemistry between people, and it also lessens the motivation to even tolerate others' thoughts. To answer in one sentence, I firmly believe that everyone should put some sort of limit to voicing their thoughts and expressions for the sake of respecting others' values; there is a time and a place to say or do those things-- just wait for the right moments!