William Deresiewicz makes compelling suggestions in his article “ Faux Friendship.” His ideas and modernized definitions on the truth behind the word “ friend” makes a good argument though it is strictly through his perception and analysis. He demonstrates the idea that in this era we have changed how we perceive one another from the way it use to be. Deresiewicz uses a claim of value in his article, evaluating the diminishing bond of what we call a friend in today’s society. He implies that the word is loosely used and has lost it’s worth. When something is plentiful and everyone has many, the value of that item goes down.
Just as the number of friends everyone has on Facebook has risen, those we call “ friends” has extended to acquaintances, friend of a friend, or someone we would like to meet. Anyone can search Facebook and take note of the number of friends each individual now has. This number is large and ever increasing. But who are all of the people we claim to be our friends? Deresiewicz states that “ friends serve no public purpose and exist independent of all other bonds” [ (Deresiewicz) ]. While this statement is true, why do we still feel the need to claim to have so many?
Although Facebook did not invent the new idea of a friend, it still established that others are watching, checking the amount of friends another individual may have and judge the value that individual by this number. Deresiewicz does not use expert opinions to conclude to his findings, but the facts are apparent. It has become the norm and that is sufficient enough to convince us that what he is arguing is in fact an unspoken truth. A person can have over 800 friends on Facebook, but can count on one hand the amount of friends that would come to his aid at any hour of the night and for any reason (whether practical or not.
Deresiewicz makes many assumptions throughout his article. Several were plausible theories while others were a little more extreme. He claims that parents and bosses want to be considered friends. This is pure opinion and in my experience with both parents and bosses, and those of my friends’ as well, they are quick to let you know that they are not there to be friends. Parents are there to parent while bosses are there to boss. Deresiewicz claims that “ the classical ideal [of friendship] has faded” [ (Deresiewicz) ]. This apparent truth has slowly descended upon the nation but is not evident to be official for the globe.
The word friend has become a loose term in America but is still an honorable title in other cultures. Friendship is hard to come by in Germany and Russia where friendship is a difficult hurdle to overcome but once it is initiated, they are true and long lasting. In Asia and the Middle East, it isn’t normal to consider anyone a close friend, though they still respect one another. Deresiewicz also states that “ spouses boast they are best friends” [ (Deresiewicz) ], but we all know very well that this is not a lasting reality. Deresiewicz does not use a biased tone when writing the article.
His point seems to aim toward making sure that we all realize what is happening instead of allowing us to blindly steer through our lives without managing to consider what a true bond between friends can be. Though the definition of the word friend is evolving, true friendship continues under an assumed name. In fact, Deresiewicz states that friendship is “ devolving,” or regressing. This could insinuate that he feels sorry for the future of all of us as we undervalue close relationships by calling them all by the same name.
