Odious Comparisons VI - The virtue of the marginal ones

As regular comics reader (or graphic novels, however you want to call them), there is something I've alternately suffered and enjoyed for my life.

As consumer of a product that has lived mostly in the cultural marginalization (we can not say it's just mainstream culture, at least in this country) I have suffered, too often, the drawbacks of being part of a small market, unstable and fragile with little demand, namely: low quality published issues or high prices, poor choice of titles, long waits for publications, cancellations of collections, difficulty in finding them in stores, and inability to socialize with the subject (unless it was with the few fans like me, once recognized as such, are regarded with the esteem after having received misunderstanding and sidelong glances.)

Image: Francesco Marino / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Similarly, these drawbacks are motivated by the same reasons that make this hobby something infinitely enjoyable. The lack of interest that we raise as a group of readers, permeable minds, never made it too interesting for the shredder. The homogenizing marketing and institutional machines, as well as the censorship and interest groups (collective moral, governmental, corporate publishers) hardly affected us (at least not as they did with literature, cinema, and others).

For that reason, I had the pleasure of reading comics on topics that although they could be treated equally well in other media, would never have the chance. I have experienced personal authors; I sucked their creativity with less restriction, and enjoyed more experimental ways of telling things.

So, if I have to suffer that my preferences as a consumer are not part of the mainstream, I must admit they would have little interest for me if it were otherwise. I would like affectionately greet those who truly suffer/enjoy this still being a marginal world, those who try to live from it: authors, publishers, and booksellers. Courage, courage.

Transmeme XIV

The continuity of "me" is just an illusion.

The World Theatre IV – TV shop

Someone must have said: "Television defines how society is". I think you can learn more about how we are by looking at a whole week television broadcast than reading an essay on behavioral science. Besides, it is often more entertaining.

Some years ago when private channels mushroomed, I discovered the fabulous world of television shopping. The vacuum pump, the eternal blade knife, reamer-shaker, the artificial bait in garish colors, paint roller, pen scratch remover, insoles to seem taller and so many other revolutionary flagship products.

Products like this have some charm, especially when you know that you can not go to a store and buy them (in their original version). Moreover the form of submission deserves praise. Yes, the show. It is simply sublime.

Firstly that smiling audience, dedicated and devoted, as well as varied. Forget about talk shows in the early evening, with their audience made up mostly by kind senior members who have their nap after the initial appetizer. In television shopping find people like those we would like to be, the target of our beautiful product. All smiling excited, firing all the time 'oooohs' and 'aaaahs' after a new discovery about the features of frying oil-free device.

On top of that we have the masters of ceremonies. Normally a pair of perfect communicators, one is the expert, the other, the inquisitive and a priori 'skeptical' co-host, who by his sharp questions to the expert reveals step by step the myriad of advertised advantages and properties. But you must pay attention to how the expert handles the product, either a knife or a shaker, in seconds runs perfect and precise handling that makes the unit seem to run alone, effortless, with no need to be cleaned... How many training hours are invested for that smooth execution! They really are masters of their craft and I enjoy them. Did they make a lot of shots due? I guess that more than once, but, hey, do not tell anybody, the show is live.

Finally we reach climax. After having made us realize that our lives from now are almost unbearable if not enjoy the benefits of that product, is the best. Price. Amazingly it is a bargain, but that's not all, buying a unit you get a deal of free added accessories, warranties, brochures and manuals, and also amazingly, you can get another unit for free, and another and another... This is such a frenzy, that after the last applause I always have tickle at the tip of my fingers, asking me to dial in and place my order.

Seriously, I find these programs hypnotic and extremely relaxing, since I have to think about anything, just putting myself in the hands of the two friendly and chatty presenters. If you do not trust me, try at least once the following experiment: After a great evening, late at night when you are half drunk and a bit sleepy, switch the TV on, seek out our friends and let yourself go. You will go into a light trance, and the effect is strobe.

I must admit that although I have never bought anything, I have come to see one of these programs over a dozen times. My compliments to Chef Tony.

Transmeme XIII

As individual, you only deserve attention if you are sexually attractive, wealth productive or suspicios of crime.

Odious Comparisons V – Unopinionated

Sometimes that existing need among us to rule on everything and everybody irritates me. It seems that, if you have no opinion on an issue that arises in a conversation, you are breaching a well-established social convention. And this convention makes us all able to enter any discussion and being a great amateur.

Do not misunderstand me, is good and very necessary for people to have their own opinions, and their own discretion, and to have dialogue and exchange of ideas that enrich us all. That's where the problem lies, in the ownership of ideas, I mean. How difficult it is to cultivate truly own opinions! There is so much information, so much data, and so many events that overwhelm us daily, how does one go about analyzing in detail, balancing between the two sides of the scale and value enough points of view?

Transmeme XII

If you are afraid of doubt, just become a fanatic.

Answered Questions V - Bullfighting

   

Should we abolish bullfighting? Should we protect the great national holiday? Mm, it's not a simple question, but I would like to say a few things about it:

Let me begin stating that I do not consider myself an activist in defense of animal rights, I do not want to cause them any harm either. Let me also state I do not like bullfighting. That is true. I remember when I was a kid and television was black and white, those endless afternoons in the arenas that were so boring. That being said, it is also clear that I am not indifferent to animals suffering, nor do I object to the activities or events that are simply not going with me. You may think that these claims disallow me to express my views on the subject. I think that discussions need to hear as many voices as possible, not just the defenders of each of the thesis, in constant dialectical struggle with the other.

Transmeme XI

I guess you're all trying to figure out whether life is a competition...