Something Rich and Strange

AKA, expressing the appropriate mortification for your acts

"The only thing forbidden in our culture of exposure is the inclination to forbid – to set limits on disclosure."

Christopher Lash in an essay in the New Republic, August 10, 1992

Christopher Lasch, the American social critic, died two years after this was published, but had he lived, I think his suffering would have grown exponentially. If I believed in the supernatural, I would imagine him turning over in his grave if he could in fact see what was happening in our country – and world – today. What would he have thought of the Salahis, Dr. Phil, “Clean House,” and any number of media reports or programs that – proudly - bring to light the worst behaved – and behaviors – this society (and I use that term loosely) has to offer? The failings of individuals may be just that – failings – but the failure to acknowledge them as such is far worse, even if someone somewhere is willing to reward us for them. So to those afflicted with the psychiatric condition of Compulsive Hoarding Disorder, get some real help and stop competing with your fellow hoarders for the messiest house in America and your 15 minutes of fame on cable television. TMI, Dude.