#52: happy birthday

The iPod fairytale will be 5 years old tomorrow. With 68 million pieces sold, this Apple revolution has swept from New Delhi to New York and all in between.

How liberating it must be to have all our favourite music in one place and at our fingertips – wherever and whenever. No more clunky CDs to lug around; no more having to listen to commercials, unwanted music, or street cacophony. Solitude and peace of mind is just a finger-flick away. It looks chic too.

But here's a counter-point. For all its convenience, the white wires of the iPod sticking to the ears is one powerful signal screaming .... "Do not disturb" or "Leave me alone". In a modern-day life that is already isolated and isolating, do we need any more help to hide into our cocoons?

That's just my critique of this 21st century icon. I am sure my friends will take me to task for my blasphemy. Oh well ....