English and the Internet

[Bà Rịa, 3/27/25]

Teaching writing at the University of Leipzig in 2015, I told my students to wander into an unknown neighborhood. That week’s assignment was a report on whatever they saw and heard. I told them they should find locals to talk to in a cafe or bar. A German born Turkish said he was afraid to do this, since he might be beaten up. Seeing me so cavalier about his safety, he promptly dropped my class.

During my five months there, I walked all over town, either alone or with a friend, Oliver. No one beat me up. Oliver advised me against straying into nearby towns and villages. Rural Saxony was infested with Neo-Nazis, Oliver warned. Of course, I took trains all over and had a great time. During my short stay in Saxony, I saw more of it than Oliver ever did. He never introduced me to any of his buddies. I don’t think Oliver had any. This Hamburg native never greeted anyone on the street. Oliver spent much time making electronic music which he posted online.

The internet has plunged much of the world into solitary confinement. Constantly thwarted from the real, people go insane. Though you’re reading me via the internet, I trust you’ve also walked outside today. I did, for many miles. Sitting in my fourth cafe, I haven’t talked to anyone, however. My one verbal exchange was with an employee of Star Edu in Bà Rịa. She ran outside to ask why I was taking photos of a sign showing ten foreigners who supposedly taught at Star Edu.