I believe that there is no amorphous majority, happy and blissfully unaware. I believe that is the propaganda that keeps the consumer economy rolling. If we are all told that everyone else is happy, we will keep buying stuff to make us happy too. Women are kept in a state of perpetual dissatisfaction with themselves for not being beautiful enough to be loved. The same applies to men and the general population who are repeatedly reminded that they are deficient, their work has no value, their beliefs don't count and democracy is a sham. So they turn off, don't try, don't vote, and don't think. Their only release comes through escapism - addiction, sports, entertainment and shopping. If everyone was feeling contented and satisfied with life, there would be no need to consume more, to compete so aggressively or, ultimately to go to war. Not good for our present social and economic order - evangelical capitalism.
Humans are like leaky vessels, the more we pour in, the more is needed. There is no end to the tragedy of wanting more because the void in our souls can never be filled. Not until we become mindful, can we get off the treadmill. That takes time (we do not have enough) and a conscious effort (too difficult in so little time). We are given choices, but we aren't always aware enough to understand what we need to do. It's so frustrating. It's so much simpler to just buy a new TV.
If some of us are different, it's only because we awakened to notice what is happening and we give voice to our fears. Once blessed/cursed with open eyes, it is impossible to close them again. Alas?!
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About Me
- kingmisha
- I'm bigger than a pile of breadboxes, but smaller than a Sherman tank. I'm overeducated, underpaid but very content with my life. I have loved infrequently but intensely. I dated a poet, divorced a Dean, had an affair with a jazz pianist, was engaged to a diplomat, and widowed by my child's father. The men in my life were all very special. Not all grand passions but much loved in their time: Leonard Cohen, Alfred Pinsky, Billy Horn, Wendell Goodin, and Elliot Hirschman. Thanks for the memories... I'm a lapsed artist which doesn't really trouble me because I'm a very successful parent. I lacked the requisite conceit to persevere as an artist. I just couldn't make myself believe that my art came before my child. The world really doesn't need another sculptor (even a good one), but it does need another good human being. It can use all the good human beings we can turn out. I present Mambolica as my evidence so judge for yourselves.