View From the Bleachers
Now, at 81 and three-quarters, I'm approaching 82, just three months away. I never imagined I would live this long or this well. Observing others my age, I often feel like I've evaded the harsh impacts of old age. Guilt surfaces occasionally, but mostly I feel gratitude. Gratitude is no longer just a hollow phrase on a Facebook post; it's a genuine sentiment that requires daily practice.
Much like physical distance provides a comprehensive view of a landscape, time and distance can offer a clearer perspective on our lives. They allow us to identify patterns, understand our reactions, and gain insights into our decisions and their outcomes. Perspective is more than simply seeing from various viewpoints. It involves comprehending the extent of a situation, acknowledging the interaction of different factors and appreciating life's complexity. Together, distance and perspective can revolutionize our understanding, helping us navigate life with wisdom.
It's challenging, if not impossible, to achieve this understanding in the first half of life. We're too involved in the game. However, in the second half of life, when we step back from the game, we can perceive it more clearly from the bleachers. We can distinguish both the beauty and the absurdity more vividly.
At 82, I see things that I missed in the first half of my life. I see the absurdity all too often. It was invisible to me when I was deeply engrossed in the game and a part of the absurdity.
For instance, consider the widespread concern about escalating violence in our society. People are justifiably upset by violent acts and are continuously seeking solutions. However, we often neglect the fact that our culture utilizes violence and firearms for entertainment. What would your perspective be on a culture that indulges in fictional portrayals of violence and derives enjoyment from them?
Those fictional portrayals are usually acts of righteous violence. Someone is seeking revenge or retribution (do those words sound familiar) for some wrong committed against them. When we see the resolution of the conflict, brought about by gunfire or physical violence, we get a dopamine hit. The areas of the brain that give us pleasure, satisfaction, and motivation are temporarily stimulated. I hate to admit it, but I have experienced those feelings of satisfaction when someone is killed or violently punished. You probably have, too.
This is likely harmless entertainment for those of us with firm moral principles. However, what about those who lack such principles? In my opinion, they make up a large majority, especially those engulfed in this political environment of revenge and retribution. In their mind, they are acting righteously. In the movies and TV, the person with the gun always has the power.
What message is that sending to people who believe they don’t have power in their life? It's a dangerous message that equates violence with power, reinforcing the idea that those who feel powerless can reclaim power through violent means. This is a complex issue that needs to be addressed with care and sensitivity, recognizing that the prevalence of violence in our society is not only a result of individual actions but also cultural attitudes and systemic issues.