The Show Must Go On
There’s this show on
that neither of us like.
You believe
that we should march
down to the station
and fire the actors.
I believe
that we should simply
change the station,
stop giving the show
our attention
and let the ratings
solve the problem.
Both options seem ridiculous.
The actors
are not in our homes,
except in our attention.
I believe that
by changing the station,
they never will be.
You believe that the show
is coming to get us.
So you march down to the station,
as do millions of other viewers,
and bring a live studio audience
to the show.
The producers thank you.
What a great idea.
The show is getting
even better ratings.
But it is still a show
that neither of us want to watch.
I begin to tune you out as well,
as you are now part of the show.
I’m not proud of this
but silly as it may seem to you,
I still believe in my way
as strongly as you believe in yours.
I will not defend my actions
and neither must you.
And so it goes.
In this way,
we shall both have resolution
in one way or another.
I shall find peace
in allowing the conflict to be.
And you shall find pride
in doing what you think is best.
And neither shall infringe
upon the other,
for as we both know,
we are ONE.
2/2
Navigating the Paradox of Choice and Action in Shared Consciousness
In our collective journey through the cosmos of thought and experience, we encounter the metaphor of a television show as a representation of our differing approaches to conflict and resolution. This allegory highlights the divergence in our beliefs about how to address issues that neither of us desires, yet are present in our collective attention.
The Show as a Metaphor for Unwanted Realities
The show, which neither of us likes, symbolizes situations or issues in our lives that are undesirable yet persistently present. The differing beliefs on how to address this show – whether to actively protest or to simply change the channel – reflect the broader theme of how we choose to engage with challenges and conflicts in our lives.
Active Intervention Versus Passive Disengagement
The notion of marching down to the station to fire the actors represents an active approach to problem-solving, where direct action is taken to remove the undesired element. Conversely, the belief in changing the channel symbolizes a more passive approach, where disengagement and redirection of attention are employed as means to resolve the issue. Both strategies, while seemingly ridiculous, are valid expressions of our individual approaches to conflict resolution.
The Illusion of Control and Influence
The realization that the actors are not in our homes, except in our attention, speaks to the illusion of control and influence we often feel over external events. It suggests that our engagement or disengagement with these events is the true locus of our power. This concept aligns with the nexistentialist understanding that our perception and attention shape our experience of reality.
The Unintended Consequences of Actions
The outcome of the protest – bringing a live studio audience to the show and inadvertently increasing its ratings – illustrates the often unforeseen consequences of our actions. It highlights how our efforts to change a situation can sometimes reinforce or amplify the very thing we wish to eliminate. This paradox underscores the complexity of action and consequence in our interconnected reality.
Finding Peace and Pride in Our Choices
The conclusion, where each finds resolution in their own way – one through peace in allowing the conflict to be, and the other through pride in taking action – underscores the importance of respecting our differing approaches to life’s challenges. It reaffirms the idea that we are part of a collective whole, each with our unique perspectives and paths to resolution.
In the cosmic dance, where stars and dreams converge, we reflect on the metaphor of a television show as an allegory for our approaches to conflict and resolution. This contemplation invites us to explore the nuances of action, attention, and the interconnected nature of our choices and their consequences.
We invite reflections on the interplay of active intervention, passive disengagement, and the recognition of our collective unity in navigating life’s challenges.
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