Notebooks of DJ Serpentine
I want to follow up with a number of things I discussed in my previous column. If you didn’t read it, or don’t wish to, I’ll summarize: It was about corporate entertainment (in its manifold forms) on the whole being used as a tool by a small, interconnected minority to pacify the masses (you and me). I say interconnected not because there’s some underhanded conspiracy afoot, but because it’s obvious that the power elite in charge of all these companies have a heck of a lot of mutual interests. Surprise, surprise, there aren’t any Saul Williams-reading dreadlocked liberals sitting on the board of directors of Corporation X. No, for the most part, they’re a bunch of patriarchal white guys. And I’d say their mutual interests are to stay right where they are — in charge.
At this point, you’re probably wondering about a few things. First: What the heck does this have to do with entertainment? I mean, this is the Pulse section. Isn’t it supposed to be about arts and entertainment? Aren’t there supposed to be movie reviews and fashion briefs? Shouldn’t all this patriarchy stuff be somewhere else?
And second: Why should I care?
The answer to this is that I want to challenge your idea of what arts and entertainment is all about. I want to show how art does NOT exist in a vacuum, nor is it disconnected from your life or your planet. Art is not an object or a thing — it is living. Furthermore, I want to show how our mediums of entertainment are largely connected to a consumer culture, not one promoting creativity. It’s one that promotes waste, gluttony, and over-consumption. And for what? Thoughtless, instant gratification at the expense of the majority of the world.
Art is a powerful mirror for our society and culture. If we use it to take a look at ourselves, the image won’t be too pretty. But I’m afraid if we don’t look now, we never will. My suspicion is that living in the United States — the world’s richest and most powerful country — gives us the sense of detachment and comfort that allows us to turn away from this mirror. Growing up, we become socialized into believing that this way of life is right — or that it is our birthright — and this is the way it’s supposed to be. This results in a desensitization to, and marginalization of, our connection with the natural world and ALL the humans in it (not just Americans). Thus, we perceive our present, everyday world as permanent.
Well, it’s not! Everything falls apart!
And this is what I’m saying is happening. The veil is falling, and this death cycle of fulfillment and individual self-satisfaction won’t hold much longer. These aren’t just metaphors. I have only begun with all that I wish to say. I don’t intend on complaining and speaking in generalities all year. There are solutions, and there are facts, and I will try to present as many as will fit into the space I’ve been allotted.
And speaking of which: I do consider myself grateful to have this space. I don’t intend to waste it, and I say this knowing that everyone can’t possibly agree with me. This is good. I’m here to challenge my own ideas as well. I don’t hold any degrees (yet), and I’m not an expert at anything. I miss classes, I’m broke, I’ve been going to school too long — I’m imperfect. If it helps you, just consider me one more guy with a college opinion column.
So enough for now, and always: to be continued. See you in two weeks.
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His opinions do not necessarily represent those of the Emerald.