My
Tirade
During my research on cults and their mainstream
counterparts, I came to an interesting conclusion. There is
deep-seeded irony in most forms of advertising and many
self-help efforts. For example, an ultra-orthodox Jewish
group of rabbis has banned the internet, saying that it
leads its members to the profane. Interestingly, I found
this article on <take a deep breath> the internet.
Though the Israeli members of said group were also informed
through newspapers and bulletins in the center of town, I'd
have to assume that most other members found out through the
internet. Without the internet, such an announcement, and
perhaps even a connection of people in different worlds,
could not occur.
One will also find, however, that similar things happen
in the visual media. Turn off the TV Week was advertised
primarily on television. It is much more likely, however,
that those who were informed of this event through means
other than the television, would actually observe this
proposed sacrifice. The target audience, namely those who
watch too much TV would probably skip through commercials or
would find the entire proposal to be ridiculous.
Similarly, extensive books have been written on time
management. If a person could afford the time to read the
book, s/he probably wouldn't need it in the first place.
Those who could best use the book would not be able to find
the time to read it, and even if they did, this could
potentially be a poor use of time. I, for example, found a
wonderful book on time management. I purchased it during my
winter vacation with the full intention of reading it before
the spring semester began. This lovely delusion did not
happen, mostly because I couldn't budget the time to read
it. At this very moment, I am absolutely not using my time
effectively, because I have a very important paper due in
less than 48 hours. Thus, I will leave you with these great
ironies and contradictions.
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