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.
People engaged in polarisation either as instigators or spectators lose the essence, become charactatures of themselves. People are people not labels, titles and mass marketing segments. Apple is not in battle with Microsoft, Democrats are not at odds with Republicans, the United States of America is not in a war with Islamic terrorists. These are all modern day myths that shape society and alter the way pepole think and behave, but in reality these dramas serve no purpose than to give polarised politicians a space where they can create their own wealth and power.
There are as many divisions within the Islamic faith as there are differences within the Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Hindu and Jewish faith. We bandy about labels such Democrat, Tory, Liberal, Republican, Conservative, Congress, Akali, etc... these distictions serve no one but those who wish to be served. The decisions that need to be made are always made by individuals, the rest is sugar coating for what those individuals want. When the uniqueness of each individual and the changing nature of any individual is painted over by such bland colours something vital is lost, we die a little everytime this cartoon one-ness melts people into political convenience.
We have been schooled to enjoy a good story. Stories help us open up our experiences 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 power and beauty 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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