“I Saw a UFO” Means Something Different Now
Has anyone else noticed that the phrase “I saw a UFO” carries a different weight today than it used to?
When I was younger (I’m 55—time flies, doesn’t it?), saying “I saw a UFO” usually meant you witnessed:
1) A distinct spacecraft—typically a saucer or some kind of cigar-shaped object (if I had a dollar for every time someone claimed to have seen a flying cigar…).
2) A bright object making impossible maneuvers in the sky. Back then, drones didn’t exist; our only flying toys were kites shaped like bats.
3) Instances where crafts actually landed, with extraterrestrial beings stepping out, freezing people in their vehicles, beaming them aboard, delivering ominous warnings about the planet, and then returning them home after conducting mysterious procedures.
Now, it seems like everyone has had a UFO sighting of some sort. I can’t help but feel a bit envious—I’ve only seen photos and videos.
Unfortunately, these images and clips often lack the clarity and excitement that accompanied earlier sightings.
It sounds like you’re reflecting on how the perception of UFOs has evolved over the years. You’re right; the term “UFO” used to be loaded with mystery and excitement, often accompanied by vivid tales of alien encounters. It conjured images of saucers and strange beings, and now it seems to encompass anything unusual in the sky, from drones to atmospheric phenomena.
The rise of technology and the ubiquity of smartphones has definitely changed the landscape. Now, everyone has the ability to capture “unidentified” flying objects, which has diluted the sense of wonder associated with these sightings. Plus, the line between what is truly unexplained and what can be easily identified has blurred significantly.
I totally get the UFO envy—it’s fascinating to think about what others might have experienced, especially those dramatic stories from decades past. What do you think it would take to reignite that sense of mystery? Would more government transparency on sightings help, or is it more about the stories behind the experiences?