Our Illusions

Daniel Boorstin, preeminent historian of modern American culture, wrote:
     
                      We Americans risk being the first people in history to have been able to make their illusions so vivid, so persuasive, so "realistic" that they can live in them. We are the most illusioned people in history on earth. Yet we dare not become disillusioned, because our illusions are the very house in which we live; they are our news, our heroes, our adventure, our forms of art, our very experience."

I recall complaining to my elderly uncle that everytime I turn on TV, the news is being read to me by a beautiful young woman, almost as if the corporate decision makers had decided that I would be more inclinded to watch the news under this arrangement. Almost as if my corporate masters had decided that I am so shallow, that I would have more interest in the news, and the commercials, if they are presented by a beautiful young woman.  Almost as if they are quite correct, and this truth offends me. My uncle replied that the corporations merely are giving us what we want.

I questioned, and I still do, whether that is what they are in fact doing; Or is it maybe that the corporations are more telling us, than asking us, what we want and what we think.

Those who are paid to provide our make believe world are: agents, publicists, marketing departments, promoters, script writers, television and movie producers, advertisers, video technicians, photographers, wardrobe consultants, pollsters, television news personalities.

Our life of illusion in modern American life is well provided by professionals who tempt us, whet our appetites, then supply us whatever we fancy; for a price. The price is high. The price is more than money. The price is a meaningful, truthful view of the world.

If you doubt that we the American people are fed a steady diet of seductive, manipulative, escape oriented TV, just rurn on your cable, and click through all the channels. You'll be amazed at the amount of gratuitous violence, sex, banality, and mindlessness you see.

Please scroll down for the other articles in today's issue of The Truthless Reconciler! Thanks!