The next big thing is what too many of us are chasing, without anything to show for it.
We
live in a world where its’ inhabitants are full of self-absorption,
excessiveness and in constant need of stimulation. This in turn leads
to a lot of excessive hype
or over inflation. From radio advertising to TV programs and
commercials, to gimmicks online, the list goes on and on. Everybody, or
so it seems, is trying to sell you something that they feel you need
now.
So
many people it appears love buzz and drama to the point they can hardly
bear to be without it. It’s the kind of hype that sets the stage for
an exciting climax.
For example, American Idol loves to say- and the winner is…you’ll find out right after this important break. so don’t go anywhere.
Maybe
the problem is us. Some of us love to hear ourselves talk, and since
it sounds so good, therefore it must be true. We have no facts, just
here-say to back up
our theories. But, often in the light of day, hype gets exposed for
what it truly is- nonsense. Hype is a lot like the fog right before the
sun rises over a lake, but when the fog lifts we are so sorely
disappointed.
Overhyped
to me is also when we, like Cleveland Browns’ quarterback, Johnny
Manziel, pre-celebrate before we have accomplished a thing. Too many
of us are into feeling
good about ourselves before we have finished the job and often find
ourselves in trouble for our lack of real production.
In the past few weeks I have run into two prime examples and one timeless example of over inflation. Allow me to share:
1-
The annual National Football League draft. My biggest problem with the draft, which was held on the weekend of April 30th,
is that it’s like a giant chess game that takes too long. This year I
listened to about 10 minutes, which felt like a giant pep rally to me. Years ago, we
sports’ junkies just read about the results in the newspaper. Now, we
need months of hype and predictions, which are seldom right, about whether which quarterback is more pro ready or if a wide receiver can fit a certain scheme or not. In my opinion, the people who follow
the draft are like a guy who bets on horses because he has nothing
better to do, so as to amuse himself.
2-
The Mayweather vs. Pacquiao fight. Promoters were billing the boxing match on May 2nd,
2015 as the fight of the century. However, it appears a large part of
our country seemed unimpressed with the lackluster
bout, which Floyd Mayweather won by decision in twelve rounds. People
even wanted their money back and at least thirty two people filed a
class action lawsuit alleging that the losing boxer, Manny Pacquiia,
should have disclosed an shoulder injury before
the fight. Strange to me that we can expect compensation for something
we have no control over.
3-
Then there are the lemmings. Almost mythical creatures that are
small, short tailed rodents found in the Arctic tundra. The
misconception surrounding lemmings is that they will follow their leader
and jump off a cliff after his example;
rather it is a migratory behavior. This reminds me a lot of the
Pied Piper. As most of us know, this is the famous story about children
from a small village who followed a flutist wherever the sound lead
them. Sometimes we can be led astray, if we
are not discerning, because we can get drawn in by someone else who we
are willing to follow.
The
point I am trying to make is that all around us people love hype
because far too many of us want to feel good. Not to mention the
promise of risk and adventure that
often comes with such chatter. When
and if it doesn’t turn out then they change the subject or like an
addict look for their fix.. Our lives needn’t be so shallow.
Hype or over inflation can be simply deflated by just being contented that
one is alive.
Swavel
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