Beware the Mops and Sociopaths.
Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2018 3:25 am
I was recently directed to a blog entry which I feel is applicable and important to many of us here, both with regards to our pursuits in Middle-earth rangering/re-enacting, and related activities many of us routinely engage in.
Having navigated the fringes and occasional depths of a variety of "scenes" over the years, I can say there exists a predictable sequence of events which delineate their rise and fall. Some of us intuitively understand the perils of certain developments within and without these "scenes," (or "fandoms" as they might be), but may lack a coherent means to convey this progression to others. While warnings typically go unheeded regardless, being unable to clearly articulate perceived dangers ensures that they will.
Our society often defines success by the degree of growth shown, and so everyone wants to show growth to demonstrate success. Suggesting that one should strive to limit growth or put a cap on it is generally met with severe criticism and even fury. For example, I regularly express the opinion that further popular mass media (films, TV series, games) of Tolkien's works should not be produced, encouraged, or desired, and this is almost universally met with derision. I can now put labels to this experience; such mass media is being produced by "sociopaths," for consumption by "mops." Neither group truly shares in our interests, and it would be wise for us all to remember that.
I heartily recommend said blog entry, for discussion, or simple amusement.
Having navigated the fringes and occasional depths of a variety of "scenes" over the years, I can say there exists a predictable sequence of events which delineate their rise and fall. Some of us intuitively understand the perils of certain developments within and without these "scenes," (or "fandoms" as they might be), but may lack a coherent means to convey this progression to others. While warnings typically go unheeded regardless, being unable to clearly articulate perceived dangers ensures that they will.
Our society often defines success by the degree of growth shown, and so everyone wants to show growth to demonstrate success. Suggesting that one should strive to limit growth or put a cap on it is generally met with severe criticism and even fury. For example, I regularly express the opinion that further popular mass media (films, TV series, games) of Tolkien's works should not be produced, encouraged, or desired, and this is almost universally met with derision. I can now put labels to this experience; such mass media is being produced by "sociopaths," for consumption by "mops." Neither group truly shares in our interests, and it would be wise for us all to remember that.
I heartily recommend said blog entry, for discussion, or simple amusement.