This post may come off as strange, but if we all dig deep into our psyche and are honest with ourselves, we'll find a disturbing fact. Ever notice when a tragedy occurs how people get buzzed off the sorrow? For real. Think about it.There's an odd comfort we humans find in dark hours.
So, what does this mean? Are we a bunch of twisted freaks? Or does death remind us of our frailty and draw us in for a closer look? Whichever the case, there's no denying our love affair with all that's broken and lost forever.Say what? Yep, you read me right. Think about the last time a seriously wretched story came on the news. Did you change the channel? Nope. You didn't. I'm betting you watched the entire segment and shushed everybody in the room, so your ears could soak up every gory detail. Then, maybe you changed your FB status to express your anguish over the heartbreaking event. This kind of backs the whole "misery loves company" theory. Am I right? Sure I am.
And how many times have we told our friends about the wonderfully sad movie we just watched? Lots. Because for whatever reason, we love to torment ourselves with sadness. I've even know a few people who enjoy a good funeral as much as a wedding. These same people have a way of transforming mortals into gods, making them more in death, than they made them in life.
Same goes for the latest and greatest books on the market, the critics usually rave about stories of calamity. I wonder, have we always been this way? My guess: yes. Otherwise, Shakespeare would be a dead nobody. What say you peeps? I'd love to read your thoughts on the subject.
Until next time, happy writing or whatever makes you smile. :)
I will shamefully admit I watched the boy in the bubble hoax from beginning to bogus end. How sad is that?
ReplyDeleteLOL!!!! That'd be me! We're a sad pair! :D
DeleteHey Celeste! Found you through Elizabeth's blog! Congrats on your book!
ReplyDeleteHey, Leigh! Thank you! I'm so glad you popped in. I hope we keep bumping into each other. :)
DeleteI find that I can't stop watching stuff like that, even when it makes me so sad. So yeah. I see what you're talking about. Also, have you noticed that when they hand out the picture of the year award, it almost always goes to a drama and almost never to a comedy? It's like people can accept that drama is art, but comedy is somehow less important.
ReplyDeleteExactly, Rena! We can't help it. We love a good tragedy. :)
ReplyDeleteI find that I just enjoy being alone (even though, honestly, it feels bad). I almost don't like being happy at some times instead of being sorrowful and sad! It's weird. The numbness feels good sometimes (sometimes).
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you're saying, SC. Sometimes I'm most inspired in my saddest times. Strange, but true. :)
ReplyDeleteWe're a bunch of twisted freaks! LOL!
ReplyDelete:D
For sure, Morgan! :D
DeleteYep, and I think this is why things like NASCAR and "reality" t.v. are so popular. People like to see others in distress, fail, or crash...it makes them think their lives aren't 'so bad'.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with what Morgan said, as well...lol.
Oh my gosh, yes! I now know why people watch Nascar! Thanks for explaining, Mark! :P
DeleteI actually don't like tragedy for tragedy's sake. I never watch news and only read it briefly so I'm not a complete idiot with current affairs. I really don't like books where the characters and story are train wrecks with no resolutions (think Gone Girl-- hated it for that reason). I like hope.
ReplyDeleteBut I think it is the resolution of that hope that keeps us reading through the tragedy. We all want to believe there is something to be learned, or gained-- we hope.
I haven't read Gone Girl, but thought about picking it up, so I'm glad you warned me in advance. I'm like you, I read through the sad parts, hoping the sun will shine through and bring a happy ending. :)
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