Thanks for writing this, Ana. When I was kid, I went through a really enjoyable phase of baseball fandom. I've often thought about trying that again. It's fun, and it's something that can connect you with many people who don't share any of my other (mostly arcane) passions. But nowadays I see that the game is completely covered over with a sleazy gambling layer that, just as you say, teases our weakness for cheap thrills, and demonstrably *ruins* some people's lives. Same for state-run lotteries and, obviously, casinos. Some people can afford to gamble, and have the self-control to limit their losses. And somehow, our society, our governing bodies, have decided that their pleasure -- their "freedom" to seek pleasure in whatever form -- is worth destroying other, weaker, people's lives. It breaks my heart to even write that.
"It’s hard when we’re all so entangled – myself included."
Exactly. It is hard to be countercultural when people are so dependent on the culture to maintain their existences and lifestyles.
Also, a small vocabulary note: the use of "groom" to describe the activities of secular modernity is creepy, as that is the term reactionaries and right-wingers use to describe positive descriptions of non-generative/non-heterosexual sexual practices.
Cultivate is a better verb to describe the practice that is being engaged in. Grooming is what I did yesterday when I got a haircut and a beard trim.
When radical solutions like yours or mine are offered, they often get praised, but much less often implemented, since they would mean a restructuring of life. So there is performative acceptance that carefully keeps the status quo intact.
There is a good book about it: "Elite Capture" by Olúfẹ́mi O. Táíwò.
Exactly - a restructuring of life that’s really hard to do. At least with a modern American understanding of what “hard to do” means. Thanks for the book recommendation- I’ll check it out.
It’s not just “gambling” per se. It’s anything that’s being sold to us on the internet that offers the promise of that aspirational something. Let’s say “beauty and fashion”, no matter your age, you are inundated on what will make you better than you are since they play to your desire to belong, be admired, and to be accepted. You will be happier if you look like this. Yes, I felt it way back in the 70’s, and on, but it is nothing like the constant barrage now. The promise of a better life, a better me, one click away with acredit card in hand. And there is always one more thing to bring you closer to the Dream of You.
Thanks for writing this, Ana. When I was kid, I went through a really enjoyable phase of baseball fandom. I've often thought about trying that again. It's fun, and it's something that can connect you with many people who don't share any of my other (mostly arcane) passions. But nowadays I see that the game is completely covered over with a sleazy gambling layer that, just as you say, teases our weakness for cheap thrills, and demonstrably *ruins* some people's lives. Same for state-run lotteries and, obviously, casinos. Some people can afford to gamble, and have the self-control to limit their losses. And somehow, our society, our governing bodies, have decided that their pleasure -- their "freedom" to seek pleasure in whatever form -- is worth destroying other, weaker, people's lives. It breaks my heart to even write that.
Well put. I like "covered over with a sleazy gambling layer." Exactly. And yes, it's really heartbreaking to me too.
"It’s hard when we’re all so entangled – myself included."
Exactly. It is hard to be countercultural when people are so dependent on the culture to maintain their existences and lifestyles.
Also, a small vocabulary note: the use of "groom" to describe the activities of secular modernity is creepy, as that is the term reactionaries and right-wingers use to describe positive descriptions of non-generative/non-heterosexual sexual practices.
Cultivate is a better verb to describe the practice that is being engaged in. Grooming is what I did yesterday when I got a haircut and a beard trim.
Yes. Dependent indeed. It's hard to bite the hand that feeds you.
And noted about the word "groom." You got one when you cut your hair; I married one once.
"It's hard to bite the hand that feeds you."
When radical solutions like yours or mine are offered, they often get praised, but much less often implemented, since they would mean a restructuring of life. So there is performative acceptance that carefully keeps the status quo intact.
There is a good book about it: "Elite Capture" by Olúfẹ́mi O. Táíwò.
Exactly - a restructuring of life that’s really hard to do. At least with a modern American understanding of what “hard to do” means. Thanks for the book recommendation- I’ll check it out.
Thanks for sharing this with us
It’s not just “gambling” per se. It’s anything that’s being sold to us on the internet that offers the promise of that aspirational something. Let’s say “beauty and fashion”, no matter your age, you are inundated on what will make you better than you are since they play to your desire to belong, be admired, and to be accepted. You will be happier if you look like this. Yes, I felt it way back in the 70’s, and on, but it is nothing like the constant barrage now. The promise of a better life, a better me, one click away with acredit card in hand. And there is always one more thing to bring you closer to the Dream of You.