What error drives our eyes and ears amiss?
Until I know this sure uncertainty,
I’ll entertain the offer’d fallacy.
The Comedy of Errors
(Act II, Scene ii)
We are addicted to sensationalism . It is the drug of choice. I have no clue what chemical it emits through our central nervous system, but the thrill is cheap, cheerful and readily available, 24/7.
Human beings engage with human beings. Apple does not fight with Microsoft. Democrats are not at odds with Republicans, Christians are not battling with Moslems, the United States of America is not in a war with terrorists.
There are as many divisions in the Islamic faith between Moslems as there are differences between Christians, Democrats or Americans for that matter. These distictions we create be they brands, nations or football teams are impermanant imperfections.
We have been schooled to enjoy a good story. Stories help us examine our experience through the lives of others, be they actors, friends, politicians, poets or neighbors. That is why during a natural disaste or major war, the press reduce the story to an individual situation, so we can relate.
The examination of life is blunted when we reduce the story to good guys and bad guys, I guess it is more fun to watch a game or battle where we are rooting for one or other person. In every arena of art, science, religion, sports and fashion, there is a drama, of mythic proportions just waiting to crawl out.
The thrill is the thing.
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