Reply #133: It's depressing. We hang onto our myths.

[JDPriestly]

The media machine creates myths not just for the American people but, increasingly, for the people of the world.

And that is our problem, traditionally, the wise men in the tribe told the stories, created the myths. Today, it is admen, slick, unscrupulous salesmen who tell us stories in return for the privilege of living in penthouse apartments looking over Central Park.

The only alternatives that is offered to the general public are the ancient religious myths. They are interesting but often do not speak the wisdom we need in a day in which our plagues and floods are not caused by God or demons but by us, by our own insistence on driving cars and using plastics and living a lifestyle that kills the earth.

We need new myths, new stories.

I am becoming aware that just complaining is not helpful (although I continue to do it).

We need inspiring myths that move us to positive action.

An additional note:

Violence is not the answer in our situation. Violence will simply destroy our environment even more. That is why I hope that we can begin to create our own stories -- stories about positive forces overcoming the corporate monsters. The Lord of the Rings is too allegorical. We need stories that instruct us on our present reality.

Has anybody read any good books recently?