The TV still sets the trance
and wins by default
The TV is calling for action—an emotional plea.
“It’s time to stand up, do the right thing, rid the world of evil.”
My aunt isn’t paying attention. She doesn’t need to. She’s already answered the call. Not monetarily. Nor as an activist. No, she answers the call to action through apathy, by accepting the terms and daring never to question the validity.
I can’t keep my eyes off the screen. Not because the advertisement is speaking to me. Because it’s not. And not because it’s well done. Because it’s not.
In fact, my aunt, though accepting of what the TV tells her, also knows, deep down, that this commercial is conniving. That’s secondary though—to a further acceptance of the world at-hand, the one that approves of emotional schemes intended to absorb those who question, even if just a little bit.
This is what has me drawn to the ad, as it plays on and on. The world has become lazier and lazier, even in its appeals to action. Perhaps especially in these appeals, an odd flex of sorts. This ad, while fooling no one, fools with everyone—an inescapable trap.
And yet I feel I must try to shake the apple cart, even if just a little.
“This stupid commercial won’t end,” I say.
“It has been going on for—well… the people need to know,” she replies.
Success or failure? It’s hard to tell at first.
So I go on, shake harder, risk ire being directed my way.
“Seems like obvious propaganda to me.”
A glare, then an echo of the ad itself: “People need to know what’s going on over there.”
Giving up, I say, “Well, the commercial sucks.”
Another glare… but soon interrupted by her favorite pundit showing up on-screen. Though she’ll never admit it, she too is relieved the emotional appeal is over. This pundit will also appeal in the same direction, sad background music replaced with calculated righteous indignation.
I stay quiet though. My earlier loss, which I’ve now determined it to be, has placed my mind in a bind. The TV yet again has proved to be a formidable foe, undefeated in battles pertaining to this subject.
People need to know what’s going on over there. .
My head tells me to make emotional appeals of my own, fight heart with heart. But I’ve tried that in the past. The TV always wins.
People need to know what’s going on over there.
After several minutes of silence, of internal strife, my resolve to remain silent wins out.
My cousin ships out a month later. Within the year he’ll be dead. The TV will thank my aunt for his service, then call for more to go over there.