concsious dystopia

I finally figured out what has been itching me about the spectacle of papacy going on for the past two weeks.

Upon what should of been one of the holiest and faithful moments of my young adult life, I sat in wonder of something that has never happened in my lifetime, and represents one of the ultimate of moments for 1 billion people on this planet; and instead of just watching, listening and accepting, I was inundated with pundits on every channel discussing the liberal and conservative undertones that this pope will bring to his new chosen position.

If anyone has ever said that there should be a division of church and state, they should turn on the television right now and see how imbedded politics are in every single move of the catholic church. Within an hour of coverage, I have heard nonstop critique and compliment for the views that the German cardinal brings to the papacy.

My wonder is however, that if this spectacle of papal politics is a product of the mediated spectacle that has been driven out of the passing of John Paul II. The nature of 24/7 coverage of major world events is such that it needs to feed an entire industries narrative outlets. Meaning, if there is going to be 24/7 coverage of an event, it needs to include political, religious, educated and opinionated dialogue to fill the constant airwaves. It started with 9.11, then the Afghani and Iraq invasions, and continues with everything from the sniper, reagan death, and now pope election.

Consistent coverage cheapens the event, removes the awe and the emotion that should surround extraordinary happenings in human existence. The media is stealing my emotions and nulling them because every single world event that I educate myself on becomes weighed down with the critical analysis of its political and cultural attachments.

Sometimes I wish I hadnt taken a degree based in cultural critique, for if ingnorance would of provided me with the blissful experience of the natural emotion that should flow with the changing of a leader that is worshiped by a sixth of the world's population than maybe I wouldnt feel so negative towards the faith towards which I was raised on and continue to have systematic and ethical issues with.

posted by mr. tomas ubik @ Tuesday, April 19, 2005