Escape reflex
In times of uncertainty, anxiety, adversity, many people have a reflex action — escape from reality. The world of makebelieve becomes a convenient refuge, a cocoon of illusion.
William Shakespeare once wrote, “All the world’s a stage. And all the men and women merely players: They have their exits and entrances…”
The fantasy factor is therapeutic. It allows the mind to have some breathing space and time to relax and recharge. This explains why blockbuster action or musical movies attract big audiences. For two hours, the viewer vicariously lives though a superhero or a heroine. Virtual reality relieves the anxiety and tedium of a stressful life.
People watch fantasy movies, historical dramatic epics, romantic comedies, science fiction, and action thrillers. Any subject that is far removed from the current situation.
Human beings have an innate survival mechanism that switches the brain off from pain or any disconcerting stimuli. The “fight or flight” instinct is characteristic of self-preservation.
People flee from confrontations to seek solace in recreation and entertainment in soothing or harmless activities.
Some individuals self-indulge and plunge into buying sprees. A shopaholic buy unnecessary, frivolous objects because the act of buying is relaxing or fun.
“When things get tough, the tough go shopping.” The “high” produced by acquiring something new is fleeting. Shoppers claim it calms restlessness or dissatisfaction. Provided, of course that one has the wherewithal to purchase on a whim. Otherwise the shopper accumulates junk and debts that would trigger worse anxiety attacks.
Other escapist activities are compulsive eating, drinking, partying, and gambling. There are acceptable levels that would alleviate the problem partially. Any activity that is done in excess (such as ravenous gorging, alcoholic binges, and decadent orgies) is harmful and self-destructive.
Exercise freaks work out to the point of exhaustion. Vain women are so weight- obsessed that they starve themselves to the verge of anorexia and bonethinness. They try the extreme fad diets that are bad for the body. The majority go to the salon for some pampering while others try enhancing cosmetic procedures.
People who lead balanced lives are healthy. They can adjust to hard times with grace and aplomb. They can switch off and indulge in moderate exercise and sports.
Enjoyable physical exercise always releases happy hormones. Endorphins ( similar to love pheromones) flow in to the blood stream and thy deal with pain — both physiological and psychological. The soothing effect tones the body and conditions the mind.
Compulsive TV and Internet addicts get a mixed brew of reality and fiction. The viewer gets stressed seeing sensational images and confusing messages. Fiction and fact interspersed with some fake news are blended, magnified or distorted to induce panic. Fortunately, the attention span is short. It is easily cut off by the click of the remote control.
MARIA VICTORIA RUFINO People who lead balanced lives are healthy. They can adjust to hard times with grace and aplomb.
Gadgets are addictive. Kids and their parents are hypnotized by images in their smart phones and tablets. Social media can be entertaining to a certain degree. But it can absorb people to the point that they forget to interact and converse with others.
For many years, rallies have been the rage.
Prayers, protests, and political rallies are forms of expression. The political rallies are considered farcical entertainment. They rate high crowd magnets because of the popular celebrities. There have been rallies that attempted to sound moralistic with fire and brimstone. What was disturbing was the presence of incongruous characters on stage. A few resembled righteous, critical Pharisees proclaiming their superiority. Others looked like cardboard reptilian and amphibian figures straight out of a jungle comic strip.
The exciting rallies resembles the ancient gladiator “bread and circus” event. To the roar of the bloodthirsty mob, the protagonists and lead stars demand for “martyrs à la carte” with lions and tigers growling in the background.
Although rallies offer standard showbiz fare, stage direction and blocking are sloppy. Production values suffer from too many executive and line producers and director. Too many bosses of different persuasions call the shots. Confusion and chaos add color to the stage.
Casting choices could stand improvement. One sees a mediocre hodgepodge of box office luminaries and heroes surrounded by comedians, shady has-beens, anti- heroes and political flipflopper. Not to mention the wannabes and satellites of dubious characters and cameo roles. There is a lighter side to rallies. Despite the glitches of rain and other divine disturbances, gatherings are festive occasions. After the serious speakers ventilate the anger and rage, the audience mood switches to a congenial frequency.
The eclectic gathering becomes a social event.
Pseudo-radicals, baby boomers, society activists ( the perfumed, coiffed, and made- up matrons) business yuppies, millennials, and assorted party animals form a “party rally.” (The one that does not require lofty ideals or heavy slogans.)
After all, “… life’s too short.” For wolves and other predators, it’s open season for the hunt.
The performing and cultural arts belong to a higher dimension beyond entertainment. Seasoned thespians and artists in theatre, ballet, opera, and musical concerts evoke spiritual vibes. A live performance is an uplifting experience. This is definitely the type of “escape” that stimulates the imagination, touches the mind, and warms the heart.