You Are Borg

You are Borg and I am not Borg. If Borg allowed you to observe your designated enemies, your social inferiors, you would see people whose thinking is radically different from yours. Not just different in outcome, but different in process as well.

To be a good member of the hive is to forsake all other influence. You do not read indexed books or view censured videos. Impure ideas will clutter your mind and cause much fright. Borg will guide you. Do not step off the path. Eyes forward.

Because your only point of reference is your flattering mirror, you can only see non-Borgs in your own image. You wrongly assume that those who are not Borg are ruled by an evil Anti-Borg. Surely, they too, have their opinions and beliefs and values spoon fed from on high. So encompassing is this belief, it is impossible for you to entertain the idea of eclectic thought, an appreciation of heretical ideas or a tolerance for a difference of opinion. 

Yours is a binary world of good and evil. Yours is a world without independent thinking, a world without dissidence, a world that prohibits unsanctioned thought and feeling. There is no objective truth in your universe so there can be no concept of truth for truth's sake. You embrace "your truth" or subjective truth, which is to say that you only accept bias confirmation. That is the metaphysical gulf that divides us.

We are unwilling to surrender our hearts and minds and you are unwilling to exercise your hearts and minds. We would not be comforted by the hive's approval. You cannot imagine life without the hive's approval. You have found solace in submission. You are Borg.

   

Retro Thursday: In Quest of Perfect Satire

Were it not for "MAD" magazine, I would be illiterate. Not only did "MAD" foster a deep appreciation of all things satirical, it established a firm distinction as to what constitutes satire. Terri Gross has made me cringe on many an occasion by identifying a political humorist as a satirist. They are not necessarily the same creature.

Recognizing that satire is a niche subject, and analysis of satire is a niche within a niche, I will keep the discussion brief. However, it does need to be noted that satire involves the element of exaggeration of a person's tendencies. Tina Fey's "I can see Alaska from my house," may or may not be funny, but it is not satirical. Whereas, William Shatner reading Sarah Palin's own words with jazz accompaniment, is certanly satirical.

Satire has never had its golden age is that it depends on folly, injustice and an inflated sense of importance. Someone like Roseanne Barr might be a worthy target of satire but justice has already spoken on this matter. The public has decreed that Roseanne is unworthy of our attention and thus, she has been removed from the court of public attention. Who would argue with that verdict?

But the folly of the Obama cult is alive and well. Herein, lies the universal silliness of mass movements and the worship of cult leaders. Those are the generalities. The details make for an even richer satirical canvas. Our best and our brightest proudly making asses of themselves such as we have never before seen. The ever-present hubris that screams "I am famous and I am better than you," as the rich and renowned proclaim their allegiance to a man they know nothing about. A grown man explaining that he is supporting Obama because he wants "a world without fear." I am sure that a phobia-free planet would be nice but if it involves drinking Kool-Aid I will huddle with the frightened masses longing to be free.

First, let us look at the original subject in all of its glory (4.5 million youtube hits plus countless reposts that garnered countless more viewers.)

FAMOUS PEOPLE FREQUENTLY LACK THE CAPACITY FOR DOUBT, SHAME, EMBARRASSMENT AND REMORSE

We follow this with what should be a charter induction into the Satire Hall of Fame. Should that building ever be constructed, this gem will be the very first exhibit to greet the ticket holder. (Originally posted here 7/22/11)

JUST SAY BAAAAAAAAH

As great as the preceding video happens to be, it is surpassed by an even better satirical statement. In the second study, the audio is also manipulated for editorial affect. This is Affirmed nipping Alydar at the wire.

"SOMEONE WHO WILL ACTUALLY FAKE A DIFFERENCE IN MY GENERATION"

I grew to love this song over time, although I now prefer the "We Are Borg" version. How sweet it is!