I like the experience of other peoples’ lives. In seeing other peoples’ ways of thoughts. Translated through books and movies.
So that if I’m talking to someone, and they start talking about a particular book or series in a questionable way… I can tell whether we’re going to be fighting in the future.
Like, “How to Recognize a Sociopath 101.”
If I don’t hear a “It was bonkers!” or “There’s some serious blood and gore and it’s definitely not for everyone” in there… side-eye city.
I’ve found that the scariest thing to discover was that some people take books and movies seriously.
The writer can be screaming out their disdain and hatred for the subject matter, and some reader will be like “The Evil Empire is really bad ass. This author gets me. I’d join the Evil Empire if it was real.” vibes.
For reals, yo: I don’t want to live through your personal World War II reenactment fantasy.
Holster your excitement, buddy.
The fun thing about reenactments is being able to go home afterward. When we’re really in an End of the World-scenario due to the personal whims of a few, it’s not fun. It’s stressful and unpleasant.
I am not a sims character. I did not sign on to be some kind of a simulicra in someone else’s “Ruler of the World!” fantasy.
Reading for-fun novels can really give a clear glimpse into the minds of other people. The story is being seen through the eye of the author. The things they would notice when looking around a room. Or the things they would think about at home afterward.
The way people talk about books and movies and TV shows is a precursor to their later behavior. A clue about the kind of person they would be.
When a big “bright but grimdark” piece of media comes out, the way people react to it says a lot about them. And I’m not talking about when you talk about a piece of media even though the person says they don’t want to hear about it and they respond negatively.
I’m talking about when the person brings it up on their own. Like, it wasn’t a part of the conversation, but now it’s here and everyone has an opinion on it, some louder and more fervent than others.
And it’s a really problematic piece of work. Mostly because of consumer response to it.
Like, “I don’t think it should not exist, but it’s not my cup of tea. I prefer This to That” is my casual mindset. But I don’t think people should be bringing it up in front of children or in business settings.
I’m sure parents don’t appreciate their young children talking about chest-bursters in questionable language. Much as they don’t want their children to learn about romance through GoT.
I don’t know. Moderation is key.
