Odd things cross ones mind in the shower. It all started with the usual bumping elbows, lost soap and nowhere to rest ones leg while soaping the rift valley regions. In the process of designing the perfect shower stall my mind wandered to the problem of selling such a concept and thence onto the very nature of desire and, just around the next corner, philosophy and the concept of human traits, and their primary bearers, as items for sale in a shop.
Bear with me, please, it does go somewhere.
If one were to be, Apprentice-style, saddled with the task of selling humanity as a viable concept, where would you place the things that make the human race? walking through the door we'd see Plato and Socrates, exasperated with Camus, patiently extolling the virtues of us. Albert would be juggling infinity while getting younger the faster he juggled. Demosthenes would be taking a poll of reactions and Pasteur would be mopping up the detritus left behind by browsing customers.
I'm sure you've got the picture now.
Venturing further into this emporium of ethos we'd see Mussolini and Hitler being interviewed by shop security; Eisenhower and Churchill in ill fitting polyester, their bellies hanging over waists-a-jungle with the keys to freedom and democracy. The 'Made in N Korea section, sadly cordoned off awaiting an import licence, shoddy goods on display bearing familiar logos.
Arriving at the rear of the store, perhaps a plethora of Gazzas shoplifting some lager and fishing rods while a clutch of Jordans holds their coats. A billion track suits glinting in the harsh lighting while a gaggle of folks, who really thought they should be at the front and can't understand why this isn't so, fight for some attention by cuddling a Murdoch or a Maxwell, while various well dressed, and less so, vie for the attention of the over-dressed merchandisers arranging the display.
We turn to leave this bizarre display and walk, rather quickly, to the door. only briefly looking up at the sign on the way out. Thank You for shopping at the PoundStore, please come back soon.
Space exploration looks more inviting with every passing day!
That trip through the legend of Purple Aki affected you more than I thought.
ReplyDeleteHumanity is a strange concoction. I spend my life trying to help bits of it gain understanding and self awareness and I still struggle with it myself.