A Triggered Society

In the sixties, people were worrying about subliminal messages used for brainwashing.

Fine, one can talk about it or write some journalistic exposes. But I suspect, that type of messaging requires some extra deliberation and sophistication, and therefore practiced less frequently than we imagine.

What we have instead, and something much easier to accomplish, is not the “messages” but the media. The very structure of modern society is based on creating more and more anxiety and anger and paranoia and insecurity.

You don’t have a lot of money, but those around you — do. You live in a basement with your parents, but plenty of your peers live in fancy condos. You enjoy peaceful life — but those in other countries, butcher children and innocents.

Tons of other every day examples that stress one’s inadequacy, amplify one’s anxiety, or provoke one’s anger. Everything is out there to trigger you in exhibiting anger and aggression: TV, billboards, cars on the road, fancy buildings in your neighborhood, expensive restaurants on your road to work. Plus obnoxious behavior of numerous bastards, which again, are broadcasted all over the world. Lies, cynicism, anger.

And sure enough, some people — with thin skin and sensitive disposition — get triggered. They recall being bullied by X, Y, or Z. And they decide to strike back. In the manner of Melville’s Ahab, who wanted to strike at the white whale hoping to get to the heart of darkness by doing so.

And there is no escape. It is structural, not personal. Trigger, condemn, wring your hands, repeat.

A lot of people are trying to remedy the situation. I just returned from NYC and was surprised how relaxed and well-disposed people are. They are trying. A lot of people are trying. They realize that they have to live together.

But when the only thing you hear around you, is “screw this, or screw that,” down with this evil group or with that one, at least one sensitive brain is bound to give in, and get triggered… and then press the trigger of his gun.