I have recently come out of my cave (the windowless office that I work and study from) to watch the news. Generally my news sources are from various web sites, blogs, and radio; however, I was unprepared for barrage of Michael Jackson, Paris Hilton and the mounting case against the Paparazzi. Ironically, the Paparazzi problems put the issues together best in the blame game. Is it the fault of the publishers who offer the big money, reckless and greedy photographers or the public who is willing to pay for it all? To some degree the bottom line must be the voyeuristic public that hungers for this stuff. The buyers are the real money source.
Why do we care who Brad Pitt goes for a walk with on the Beach? What do we hope to gain from such information? Paris Hilton is famous for being famous (allegedly). What in the world does that mean to be famous for being famous? Certainly there is some legitimate need of a human being that must be met, and maybe more than one from such a strange appetite. Are we longing for connection with other people? Maybe we chose famous people because we do not think that we will meet them, so we feel safe because we know that our own wounds will not be hurt. Maybe we chose famous people because their exposure makes us feel like we know them. Brad seems like a nice enough guy, sure we could be friends. Further, Brad is a great guy and as HIS friend people would see that I am really important.
The problem of voyeuristic relationships is not merely that they are one sided, but that they enhance one's disconnection from reality. Possibly these disconnections contribute to a form a de-humanization. In our "curiosity" we treat the object of our star chasing as less than a person. But the real danger is training our souls to be nourished in mere virtual relationship. This habit will also eventually impair oneÂ’s ability to receive love, which to some degree is what we all want when we start such a practice. So, go bowling with your neighbor tonight and give Brad some space. You might be surprised how much fun you can have with the people in your neighborhood. Take your "curiosity" and use it to form real relationships and you will become a better lover and be more beloved.
Current Affairs
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