John reads “One hopes for age appropriate” from, I Sit At This Desk and Dream. He discusses its inspiration in an Instagram post, the importance of erotica, and the miracle of a good punchline.
Debauchery, ironically enough, I've thought about in the same sense as violence. Both are often frowned upon, both have dire consequences, yet both also entice a sort of thrill that isn't too far from the days of gladiatorial sex houses. In fact, history would show that debauchery was at the front and center of culture for quite some time. I think it became a negatively nuanced thing when religious fervor took over the society as a whole; especially so with Christianity.
I mention all of this because we live a time—since the turn of the internet era—whereby locations such as OnlyFans & PornHub have become the new gladiatorial sex houses of the modern day. Just in the same manner as Penthouse Magazine was the centerfold for the early 70s. Or the promiscuity of flappers during the era before that.
So it is intriguing that something considered so vile is ruefully besmirched when realistically it is human nature to desire all these things.
So back to my comparison of vulgarity and violence—just like someone has the propensity to be dangerous in the ring (boxers, mma fighters, etc.), it is equally possible to control the urge. It's in that lack of control where issues arise, and that my friend, is the true item to be feared: chaos without limitations.
P.S. It's funny that you mentioned that sometimes we must just laugh at ourselves because I was watching an episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds the other day whereby young Spock says "I don't understand why humans laugh about another's downfalls," to which Captain Pike responds "sometimes things go so badly that you can't do anything else but laugh." Thought the coincidence was uncanny.
Debauchery, ironically enough, I've thought about in the same sense as violence. Both are often frowned upon, both have dire consequences, yet both also entice a sort of thrill that isn't too far from the days of gladiatorial sex houses. In fact, history would show that debauchery was at the front and center of culture for quite some time. I think it became a negatively nuanced thing when religious fervor took over the society as a whole; especially so with Christianity.
I mention all of this because we live a time—since the turn of the internet era—whereby locations such as OnlyFans & PornHub have become the new gladiatorial sex houses of the modern day. Just in the same manner as Penthouse Magazine was the centerfold for the early 70s. Or the promiscuity of flappers during the era before that.
So it is intriguing that something considered so vile is ruefully besmirched when realistically it is human nature to desire all these things.
So back to my comparison of vulgarity and violence—just like someone has the propensity to be dangerous in the ring (boxers, mma fighters, etc.), it is equally possible to control the urge. It's in that lack of control where issues arise, and that my friend, is the true item to be feared: chaos without limitations.
P.S. It's funny that you mentioned that sometimes we must just laugh at ourselves because I was watching an episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds the other day whereby young Spock says "I don't understand why humans laugh about another's downfalls," to which Captain Pike responds "sometimes things go so badly that you can't do anything else but laugh." Thought the coincidence was uncanny.
Thanks Ken. I’m glad it sparked some ideas for you!