Lawrence, you're not "having me on," as they say in England, which (I think)
means teasing, are you?
Now to what you ask. My country's THE world's fantasy capitol. My son
currently lives in the place that Disney built (Los Angeles), and we
Americans have grown up on animated cartoons and films. They were the most
potent versions of fairy tales we had in our childhoods (why, after all,
with such engaging films, did we need books?). Mention Brothers Grimm, and
we will give you a blank look. Mention Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck
and Pluto, and we "get" where you're coming from.
I interpreted your symbols in the light of my country's current elected
federal officials, your words "animators," "background," "redrawn," and
"team," to mean animated cartoons.
If I'm reading America's current leadership accurately, their
grip---spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, and physically---on the
wheel of the Ship of State is as stable and profound as Goofy.
"When you wish upon a star, makes no difference who you are," the Disney
program logo sings. It's a beautiful wish for democracy, the Great
Levelling.
If we don't work hard to position and elect Moral Stars to help us govern
ourselves and guide us, we will surely get the elected cartoon characters
that we deserve.
Your characteristically spare writing became even leaner in this poem, and I
think to good effect---a punch to our senses and minds, repeat punches, in
fact---comparable to the innumerable punches in an animated cartoon. It is
said that all of those cartoon punches witnessed by children do affect their
sensitivities in the same way that martial video games do. They
de-humanize. Fighting seems so . . . entertaining. How much more, then,
have our leaders' punching and punchy decisions de-sensitized us?
Thanks for your giving us the framework from which to draw these and many
more comparisons.
Happy you?
Good.
'night, Lawrence.
Judy the Shmoo
----- Original Message -----
From: "Lawrence Upton" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, October 12, 2005 7:43 PM
Subject: Re: Snap
Hallo Judy
I like to think that I am profound and entertaining. Effectiveness is icing.
As to intention, please tell me what comparison *you think I have drawn.
I'll be sleeping soon, but look forward to your answer in a few hours.
All best
Lawrence
-----Original Message-----
From: judy prince <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Thursday, October 13, 2005 12:13 AM
Subject: Re: Snap
Lawrence,
This is a hoot---a most effective comparison drawn! Whether you intended
it
or not, it was quite entertaining (and, yes, profound, of course, too).
Judy
----- Original Message -----
From: "Lawrence Upton" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, October 12, 2005 6:46 PM
Subject: Snap
There are many problems.
It has taken many animators.
The backgrounds are redrawn every day.
Historians rewrite the dialogue.
Diplomats reinvigorate intentions.
Morality is impossible. This is a team.
And we all need a holiday
|