The world is constantly changing around us. This is nothing
new, but what is new is the speed at
which it is happening. We human beings are not accustomed to handle evolution
at such a rapid pace. We like to think we are in control, that we influence the
things that happen around us. And so we focus our feeble attention on global
warming, endangered species, “conflict resolution” by means other than
violence, world poverty, and the financial crisis, when, in fact, all these
things transcend our existence – we are the only really endangered species. I have a collection of “reusable”
shopping bags at home, because I always forget to take them with me, and feel
obliged to buy more rather than ask for plastic bags. I suspect my collection
has depleted the planet’s resources far more than the plastic bags that I would
otherwise have used, and it is for that reason that, although I will dutifully
recycle where I can, I think that saving the species is probably not in the
best interests of the planet.
I’m not a Luddite – things have to change, and I know that.
But there needs to be a reason for change. As many words do, the word
“progress” has morphed into a synonym for “change”, and progress, as a result,
is no longer necessarily a good thing. Realizing this takes the edge off the
satisfaction of going to the mall and buying 4 shirts and a pair of jeans for
$60 at the Western Wearhouse (sic), because they’re going out of business; and
walking through the skeleton of Virgin Records, where even the fixtures and
fittings are up for sale; and seeing any store that isn’t offering 70% discount
devoid of customers. It’s evolution, it’s a natural process – the strong will
survive, and the weak will not. But Western Wearhouse is where I bought my first
pair of boots, and I’ve spent time at the listening stations in Virgin Records,
discovering new artists. I’ll miss them both. Having said that, of course, it’s
slightly hypocritical that I think GM, Chrysler and Ford deserve to go under –
their arrogance is finally rewarded.
Maybe it’s because I’m getting older that I have trouble
with the ground shifting under me. These days it seems more like a threat than
an “opportunity.” I went to see two movies this weekend – Gran Torino, with
Clint Eastwood, and The Wrestler, with Mickey Rourke. In both, the protagonist
is an older man coming to grips with the human frailty to which we all eventually
succumb. They deal with it in very different ways, however – one with dignity,
and the other, in the only way he can. I won’t spoil it for you by telling you
which is which. I’d recommend Gran Torino for “guys and gals”, but The Wrestler
probably for guys only – not because of the storyline, or the acting, or the
underlying morality (which are all superlative), but simply because The
Wrestler pulls no punches in representing the violence of the world of “fake”
wrestling.
