No one wants to be examined under a microscope. The results are never flattering. Every so often, TV networks will do an expose of hotel or food services etc. by using microscopic examinations that reveal horrible realities that launch the squeamish into hysterical paranoia. Personally, I prefer to be blissfully ignorant.
I have concluded that a significant difference between the age we are living in and previous times is that we are living under a microscope. Every aspect of our lives, from the most personal (think ED commercials) to the global (ie a live video of a soldier in Afghanistan dying from mortal wounds to a emaciated child dying before our eyes in Sudan). I am hard pressed to think of any subject or circumstance that is not exposed to the possibility of immediate and unvarnished microscopic examination.
We are being subjected to realities that heretofore have been hidden or at least viewed in the macro. As a result, society is becoming more and more paranoid. I remember very well as a young child the door to door Kirby vacuum cleaner salesman that came to our home. His sales pitch was centered in a demonstration, not so much of the vacuum cleaner itself, but a demonstration of the need for his product. First, he fitted the cleaner with a special filter and proceeded to vacuum our mattresses. Examination of the filter revealed a horrible collection of who-knows-what. Next he convinced us to allow him to use his special attachment to vacuum our heads. The results captured in the filter were revolting. Needless to say, he made a sale. The price of the Kirby was very expensive, but there was no way, knowing the condition of our mattresses and heads, that we could not purchase it.
Our world has changed dramatically, primarily because of technology. Adopting a “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy is no longer a viable option. Virtually everything is open to examination. It is increasingly difficult to find balance in our lives. Now that we know, we are subject to fear, paranoia and over reaction. The costs are huge.
But there is goodness in the ability to examine our world through a microscope. There are real dangers and problems that are concealed and covertly maim and destroy. Their exposure is a catalyst for change.
What are we to do? I’m not exactly sure. It is clear to me that our increasingly exposed world requires more wisdom and courage than ever before. Much to think about.
