"Reality"

Current Myths

“Reality is one of the possibilities I cannot afford to ignore.”

Leonard Cohen

You know, as much as I'd like to check out some days, to just turn off the news and retreat to my island in the sun (wherever that may be), I know that this is a time like no other. This is a time in my own life that I can't afford to miss. This is a time in the world's life that we can't afford to turn our backs on. And while most of it is dark, some of it is pretty darn hopeful.

I've been interested to see how much our myths of today reflect our global culture. In Shakespeare's day, the myths were enacted in plays, in ballades, and in oral stories, because most people could not read. Today, they still come in those forms, but for the most part, our technological world requires video and audio. When you think about that, shows like Game of Thrones, The Handmaid's Tale, Lucifer, and a multitude of police homicide, “serial-killer on a spree” shows come to mind. There's a common thread here that can't be missed—all are shaded toward the reality of underlying malevolence. Even in the up-beat, “reality” shows such as The Voice, American Idol, and America's Got Talent, there seems to be a requirement to tell sad and woeful tales of how each unlikely performer overcame incredible obstacles to be a contender—the more pitiful, the better. We seem to be in love with the underbelly of life.

On the up-side, I see more people of color on the screen, more in leading roles and in commercials and advertisements. Likewise, more portrayals of gay and lesbian couples and individuals, not just in stereotypical roles, but as regular characters. Our myths are beginning to reflect the reality of our culture in terms of race and diversity. There is a Leonard Cohen quote that speaks to this: “If you don't become the ocean, you'll be seasick every day.” We live in an ocean of diversity, in a sea of change, and we can fight the current, or we can go with the flow. I finally find it simply interesting to wait and watch to see which direction we will go—as a people and as a species.

Who knows what will happen? As Cohen wrote, “The older I get, the surer I am that I'm not running the show.” Not the American show, nor my own show. But, we are here to see it through, to be witness to the turns and twists that our present-day myth conjures up. Whatever else it may be, it will be entertaining. I'm pulling for the under-dogs as usual!

                                                      In the Spirit,

                                                         Jane